Joe Schmidt has named Ulster hooker Rory Best as the new Ireland captain and called up four uncapped players to the Six Nations squad.
Connacht lock Ultan Dillane, Munster's back row forward CJ Stander, Leinster flanker Josh van der Flier and centre Stuart McCloskey of Ulster are the new names on the 35-man panel.
The 23-year-old McCloskey, who has made a big impact with Ulster this season and former South Africa under-20 captain Stander, who qualifies for Ireland on residency grounds, were expected to be included in the otherwise experienced squad.
Dillane has edged out Munster's Dave Foley for one of the second row berths, with Ulster's Dan Tuohy still sidelined.
Van Der Flier has the opportunity to impress after winning the call-up as cover, while Chris Henry continues to work his way back from a shoulder problem.
However, Leinster centre Garry Ringrose, mentioned as a midfield option, must bide his time.
Best, 33, has scored eight tries in 89 appearances and won his first cap in 2005. Jamie Heaslip is the vice-captain.
Ireland host Wales in Dublin on Sunday, 7 February in their first game (live on RTÉ2).
Schmidt said: "As always there were a number of tight decisions, especially with a number of players not being available to play in recent weeks.
"Stalwarts such as Mike Ross, Cian Healy and Chris Henry are all likely to return to play over the coming weeks and they, along with some of the other players not included, will potentially return to the squad post these first two matches.
"We have resisted the temptation to include some of the very promising youngsters"
"There are a few new faces but at the same time we have resisted the temptation to include some of the very promising youngsters, allowing them a bit more time to develop as well as the opportunity of further game time with their provinces.
"With plenty of new personnel involved the RBS 6 Nations is going to be incredibly challenging and the players selected will know they will need to be at their best to be competitive."
Ireland Squad for @rbs_6_nations 4 Uncapped: @Ultan_Dillane @CJStander @joshvdf & @Stuart_Mc12 #shouldertoshoulder pic.twitter.com/mFd1EWrTpW
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) January 20, 2016
Players unavailable for selection due to long-term injury include Tommy Bowe, Iain Henderson, Peter O'Mahony and Dan Tuohy.
Fowards: Rory Best (captain), Sean Cronin, James Cronin, Ultan Dillane, Tadhg Furlong, Jamie Heaslip, Rob Herring, Mike McCarthy, Jack McGrath, Martin Moore, Sean O'Brien, Tommy O'Donnell, Rhys Ruddock, Donnacha Ryan, CJ Stander, Richardt Strauss, Devin Toner, Josh van der Flier, Nathan White.
Backs: Keith Earls, Luke Fitzgerald, Robbie Henshaw, Paddy Jackson, David Kearney, Rob Kearney, Ian Madigan, Kieran Marmion, Luke Marshall, Stuart McCloskey, Conor Murray, Jared Payne, Eoin Reddan, Jonathan Sexton, Andrew Trimble, Simon Zebo.
Here's the 4 uncapped players in the squad @Ultan_Dillane @CJStander @joshvdf & @Stuart_Mc12 #shouldertoshoulder pic.twitter.com/CkFlJ4sGUN
— Irish Rugby (@IrishRugby) January 20, 2016
