For the first time, men and women will be in action in their respective codes – the 10-day event will be backed by the Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure.

The women's international series will be staged from Friday (March 13) to Sunday.

The joint British Isles Championships – singles pairs, triples and fours – take centre stage from Monday-Thursday, with the men's international team event being played over the following weekend.

Belfast Indoor Bowls Club chairperson, Doreen Miskelly, said at the launch of the event: "It's a feather in the cap of our club to host this prestigious tournament for the first time.

"We are indebted to our sponsors, Department for Culture, Arts and Leisure for backing the event," said Doreen.

"The Minister for DCAL, Mr Gregory Campbell, will be visiting the stadium duing the tournament."

Mr Campbell was unavailable for the launch of the tournament, but DCAL's Catherine Martin added: "This Belfast complex is absolutely fantastic.

"We have been working closely with Doreen and are delighted to be involved. It should be a magnificent 10 days of bowls."

AIIB president Willie McCaw, representing the Provincial Towns club, admitted he is looking forward to lifting the men's team title for the first time.

"It's a well-know fact that we have never had our hands on the trophy," he said.

"Well, there is no better time.

"I know the team have been working extremely hard in the build-up to the international series and, it would be fitting for Ireland to win the event for the first time on their home carpet during this history joint series.

"We are all looking forward to it and, the Belfast Club will be the perfect venue. A lot of credit must go to Doreen (Miskelly), who has been working hard for the past number of months to making this a success."

Tickets for the event are available (£4 per person per day). They can be be purchased at the Belfast Indoor Bowls Club.