Wales kick-off their Championship defence against Declan Kidney’s men on February 2, on the back of three victories over their Celtic rivals in the last two years.
Howley’s side then face three consecutive away matches against France, Italy and Scotland, before returning to Cardiff to face England on March 16.
“We have done particularly well against Ireland over the last couple of years and we can take great heart from that record,” said Howley.
“That first game is always a huge match for momentum We went over to Ireland last year and that win set the tone.”
Since marching to the Grand Slam in 2012, Wales have crashed to seven consecutive Test defeats but Howley reckons his players can use the pain as motivation to get back on track.
I am looking forward to what will be a new personal experience,” he said.
“I have never doubted the attitude and commitment of the players. I know they will come into camp feeling as if they have
something to prove and a need to put things right.
“They were so disappointed at what happened in the autumn, especially with the last-minute defeat to Australia. That will give us great motivation to start the tournament well.
“We all want to stop the roller-coaster ride we are on and we need to match the consistency we showed during the last Six Nations.
“The circumstances are different to 12 months ago. We spoke after the World Cup semi-final that we needed to back that success up in the Six Nations and we did that by winning the Grand Slam.
“But this time we are coming in on the back-foot after what happened in the autumn.”
Howley has already lost Rhys Priestland and Luke Charteris for the entire tournament, while Dan Lydiate, Alun Wyn Jones and Ian Evans are battling to play a part.
George North and James Hook are also currently sidelined but it is hoped they will be back on the pitch ahead of the tournament and Howley hopes there are no further injuries to his Grand Slam heroes.
“I am hoping for less injuries because they had a huge influence on us in the autumn. I just hope between now and the start of the campaign we don’t pick up any more problems.”
