THE DATES for October's International Rules series in Ireland have been set, with the first Test to be played between the Indigenous All-Stars and the Irish on Saturday, October 19.

County Cavan's Kingspan Park will host the opening Test, followed by the decider a week later at Dublin's iconic Croke Park on Saturday, October 26.

The Australians will also play a practice match in Dublin on October 16, two days after arriving in the Emerald Isle.

Excitement is building for the bi-annual series, with many of the AFL's Indigenous players telling AFL.com.au they would jump at the chance to represent their country and people.

Former Australian captain and Sydney Swans champion Adam Goodes said the opportunity was too good to pass up.

"It's fantastic to represent your country and I've done it a couple of times, but to represent Australia as Indigenous people I think is very powerful," Goodes said.

The Australian squad, to be announced next month, is set to feature stars the caliber of Goodes, Lance Franklin and Cyril Rioli.

"Cyril Rioli - I love watching that bloke play - and Buddy Franklin, so if we all get a chance to head over it would be great to hang out with those boys," said Brisbane Lions' veteran Ash McGrath.

Fremantle forward Michael Walters revealed he's looking forward to the privilege of being coached by the widely respected Michael O'Loughlin.

"It will be a big honour to play under a guy like Micky O'Loughlin, a premiership player and a leader of the community."

Essendon's Alwyn Davey echoed Walters' sentiments.

"Good bloke, good person and he jokes around a little bit, but when it comes to coaching he's a good coach."

Ireland is the holder of the Cormac McAnallen cup after easily defeating Australia in the 2011 series.