Years of concerns and controversy over Rio hosting the Olympic Games will be put to one side later.
The opening ceremony will take place at the world-famous Maracanã.
Team Ireland's games have been shaken by allegations of doping after boxer Michael O'Reilly, from Clonmel was suspended for failing a drugs test.
The reigning European Games Champion, who fights for Portlaoise Boxing Club has been suspended pending a B-sample.
Meanwhile at least 271 Russian athletes will compete at the Rio Games – despite the country's doping scandal.
