Wales have not won in Dublin since 2000 - ironically when Gatland was in charge of the Irish - and all of those defeats have been comprehensive.

Two years ago, Wales were humbled 31-5 at Lansdowne Road after Gavin Henson was forced into an emergency fly-half role while the heaviest defeat was 54-10 in 2002.

Gatland said: “I know the players have been really hurt in the past by the poor performances they have had in Ireland and the wounds are pretty deep in terms of those performances.

“These guys really want to give a good account of themselves on Saturday.

“These guys have really blown me away in terms of how much they have developed in the last couple of months and how sharp they have looked in the way they have trained. We are really excited about the potential of this team.”

Wales head to Croke Park top of the RBS 6 Nations table after successive victories over England, Scotland and Italy and in the box seat to win the championship.

Victory would also set up a shot at the Grand Slam when France visit the Millennium Stadium next weekend.

But if the result does go against them on Saturday, Wales will still have a chance to clinch the title against France on the final weekend.

Their positive points difference of 61, earned chiefly from the 48-7 victory over Italy, could prove decisive.

“The championship is the most important thing. To win a Triple Crown on the way is pretty special but our whole focus is on the championship,” Gatland explained.

“The result is important but also we’ve got to keep our points difference in mind as well.”

Ireland have had to make enforced changes due to injury - Rob Kearney has switched to full-back and Shane Horgan returns on the wing - but Gatland remains wary of a side which appears to have climbed out of its World Cup slump.

“Like anyone, I couldn’t put my finger on why Ireland were so disappointing at the World Cup. Perhaps as a team they don’t handle favouritism well,” said Gatland.

“If they are criticised or have their backs to the wall they come out fighting. Going to the World Cup there was a lot of expectation about them making the semi-finals or even being a potential finalist so it’s something they possibly need to handle.

“If you are really honest, you wouldn’t have minded getting Ireland first up in the Six Nations. I don’t think they were that great against Italy but as the tournament’s gone on they have built some confidence and some momentum.

“They are hard to beat here so it’s going to be a very interesting encounter.”