The 82nd annual Irish Hare Coursing meeting in Clonmel, Tipperary is expected to draw 30,000 fans and generate €18m for the local economy over the next three days.
Thousands of spectators from Britain, Europe and the US will pack Powerstown Park, for the three-day event.
Hare coursing was banned in the UK in 2005, which resulted in an increased influx of British to Irish events.
Its not yet clear if animal rights activists will picket the event.
