Ireland will take on England cricketers for the first time in a two-match one-day international series next year as part of England’s build-up for the ICC Champions Trophy.
Ireland have played five ODIs against their neighbours on home soil and two at global tournaments abroad, including the minnows' historic 2011 World Cup win in India.
But they will break new ground after the England and Wales Cricket Board and Cricket Ireland announced the two nations will play at Bristol on Friday 5 May before another fixture at Lord's two days later.
“It’s absolutely massive for us to have the opportunity to play against England in a series,” said Ireland captain William Porterfield.
“What makes it extra special is the fact that one of the games is at Lord’s - where every cricketer dreams of playing.
“Teams travelling to play England are also coming over here now to play series too so hopefully that trend will continue.
“We are getting more and more international fixtures with games against Pakistan, Afghanistan, Australia and South Africa still to come this year, and England, Bangladesh and New Zealand confirmed already for next year.”
England travelled to Belfast 10 years ago for the first competitive meeting between the two teams, with Marcus Trescothick's century helping them to a 38-run win.
"We've been hugely impressed by the major strides Irish cricket has made" - Andrew Strauss
Ireland have arguably been the most impressive of the associate nations since then, reaching the Super Eight stage of the 2007 World Cup while only net run-rate prevented them from qualifying for the knock-out rounds of last year's tournament.
ECB director of England cricket Andrew Strauss, who captained England in their inaugural match against Ireland, added: "We've been hugely impressed by the major strides Irish cricket has made in the last decade.
"Ireland's past performances in ICC Cricket World Cups have shown just how competitive they can be in the 50-over format; they will definitely provide our one-squad with a tough test ahead of next summer's ICC Champions Trophy."
England have won five of their seven 50-over matches against Ireland, with their last meeting in May 2015 rained off after only 18 overs.
