Friday 24 June 2016 13:05, UK
England will host Ireland in an international game for the first time next summer when the sides play two one-day internationals.
The games will take place in Bristol on May 5 and at Lord's two days later, kicking off English cricket's international summer.
Ireland have played five home ODIs against England, and the sides have twice met in global tournaments, England famously suffering their sole defeat to date at the 2011 World Cup.
"We've been hugely impressed by the major strides Irish cricket has made in the last decade," the England and Wales Cricket Board's director of England cricket said.
"Ireland's past performances in ICC Cricket World Cups have shown just how competitive they can be in the 50-over format; they will definitely provide our one-squad with a tough test ahead of next summer's ICC Champions Trophy."
Ireland captain William Porterfield said: "It's absolutely massive for us to have the opportunity to play against England in a series. What makes it extra special is the fact that one of the games is at Lord's - where every cricketer dreams of playing.
"I'm certain we'll have a lot of support there from both the Irish living in London and travelling over from Ireland. There'll be a great atmosphere and it will be one which the team will relish playing in front of."
