The Scarlets forward starts alongside Sam Warburton and Toby Faletau in the back row in the Six Nations opener against Declan Kidney’s side.
Wales were narrow 23-21 winners in Dublin last year and Shingler says he is expecting Saturday’s clash to be as close as the previous meetings between the two sides.
“I’m obviously pleased to get the nod. I knew it was going to be tough to even get in the team but I’m very happy to get the chance to start,” he said.
“It’s a huge honour to play in the first game of the Six Nations.
“We’ve only got two games at home this year so this is one we have to win.
“The previous games against Ireland have always been really close and I think it will be similar. It might come down to one mistake or a bit of brilliance from someone.”
Shingler goes head-to-head with an Irish back row which includes captain Jamie Heaslip and the powerful Sean O’Brien.
“They’re good players with experience. I haven’t played a whole lot against them so I’m looking forward to the challenge,” added the Wales number six.
“O’Brien is a powerful runner and you’ve got to run at him as hard as he does at you. It’s as simple as that.
“I’m looking forward to that challenge and hopefully I’ll do well.
“I play my own game and stick to my strengths. There’s going to be a huge intensity to the match and hopefully I’ll do well for the team.”
Shingler’s athleticism and line-out ability will provide Wales with a different back row option and he says as a group, Wales are raring to go.
“There’ll be a lot of running rugby and hopefully that will suit our back row,” he added.
“It’s a new competition. We’ve been away for eight weeks and we’ve come back fresh.
“I think a lot of teams are at the same sort of level and the team that starts well is going to be in the best position.
“This group is a confident group and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”
You can follow all of the action for Wales v Ireland at http://www.wru.co.uk/live
