The United States will take part for the first time in the World Sheepdog Trials, which take place in Tullamore, Co Offaly, this summer.
Over 240 sheepdogs from 21 countries will be showing their skills at the four-day event, to be held at the Charleville Estate, outside Tullamore.
An estimated 10,000 people are expected at the event and over a quarter of these will be overseas visitors.
The relaxing of rules covering the transport of dogs has meant that this, the second world trials, will be truly international. Teams from Ireland, England, Scotland, Wales, Canada, Australia, Germany and France will also be competing for world honours at the event.
Loughnan Hooper, who is handling public relations for the event, said the strict movement controls had kept US dogs from competing in the last event and there was a large contingent of Americans making the trip to Ireland.
Mr Hooper said the event would also feature various dog agility demonstrations, international food and craft exhibitions and hot air ballooning alongside the Texel national sheep breeding championships.
