Ireland will begin their warm-up programme on Saturday, August 11 when they take on a rejuvenated Scotland team in Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh.

This will be followed by another friendly against Italy, at home in Ravenhill on the weekend of August 24/25/26, with the date and kick-off to be confirmed.

Similar to the warm-up games for the 2003 World Cup when Ireland played Italy in Thomond Park, Ireland will play a home international outside of Lansdowne Road for only the second time in 53 years when they take on the Italians in Ravenhill.

The last full international played on the Belfast ground was against Scotland on February 27, 1954 when Ireland won 60.

Ulster Rugby chief executive Michael Reid said: To have an international being played in Ravenhill is a huge boost for the game of rugby in Ulster.

The recent success of Ulster team and also the growth of the game in the province and throughout Ireland should ensure a magnificent send off for the Ireland team in advance of the World Cup.

Philip Browne, IRFU chief executive, added: With Lansdowne Road and Thomond Park both scheduled to be out of commission due to redevelopment, Ravenhill offers the best alternative venue for the game.

Similar to the last time we played Italy in a friendly international, the capacity in Ravenhill should be sufficient to cope with the expected demand.

The games against Scotland and Italy will be the final fixtures of a 12-match schedule for Ireland in advance of their opening World Cup match on September 9 in Bordeaux against the African qualifying team.

In addition to the World Cup warm-up games, Ireland will play three November internationals against South Africa, Australia and the Pacific Islands.

These will be followed by five games in the RBS Six Nations Championship and two games against Argentina as part of the summer tour.