Lansdowne Road will stage this season's Heineken Cup final, tournament officials said today.
The Dublin 4 venue hosted the 1999 European final between Ulster and Colomiers.
"The 1999 final was a magnificent, vibrant and special occasion, and everyone is looking forward to a repeat of that," said Jean-Pierre Lux, chairman of European Rugby Cup (ERC).
"Dublin will be a very fitting venue, and we expect a sell-out crowd," said ERC chief executive Derek McGrath. Twickenham was also considered as a venue for the May 24th showpiece.
The decision is certain to give provincial representatives - notably Leinster and last season's runners-up Munster - an extra incentive to reach the final.
English champions Leicester will be bidding for their third-successive European title and kick off the defence of their crown at Welsh club Neath on Friday week.
A total of 24 teams will again contest the Heineken Cup, including five tournament newcomers - Sale, London Irish, Bristol, Beziers and Viadana.
