The national rugby squad leaves Ireland for France today to begin final preparations for the Rugby World Cup.
The players and officials will be based in Bordeaux for the opening games against Namibia and Georgia.
The Department of Foreign Affairs has established a temporary consulate in the French city to offer consular services to thousands of travelling Irish fans.
The tournament begins in Paris on Friday with the host nation taking on Argentina.
Taoiseach Bertie Ahern visited the Irish squad after training in Bray last week and was presented with an Ireland team jersey and a rugby ball by coach Eddie O'Sullivan and captain Brian O'Driscoll.
