THE Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) has announced they are bidding to host the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
If successful, the competition will be held across the country in venues both in the Republic and the North of Ireland.
Iconic stadiums would be used including The Aviva, Ravenhill and Thomond Park.
Organisers are also hoping to use GAA grounds including Croke Park, where rugby matches were played during the redevelopment of Lansdowne Road.
"Ireland will put together a winning bid that will be impossible to resist. We have the fans, the stadiums, and the accessibility to make it a World Cup to remember," said An Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
"Irish people love our sport. We are passionate about sport and we celebrate it."
Ireland hosted several matches during the 1991 World Cup, including the semi-final between New Zealand and eventual champions Australia.
The Irish bid - estimated to cost €1.5million - is likely to face stiff competition for the rights to host the 10th edition of the tournament.
South Africa, who hosted in 1995, Argentina and Italy have all expressed interest in hosting the event while there have been suggestions that the USA and Canada may combine on a joint-bid.
A decision on who will host the 2023 World Cup is expected to be made mid-2017.
The eighth edition will take place in England next year while the 2019 World Cup will take place in Japan.
