It also represents a chance to connect with some of his ancestry, as some of his forebears moved from Belfast to Samoa around 100 years ago to grow potatoes.
"It's quite exciting. I spoke to my family before we left for the northern tour, and my dad and grandad reminded me that I've Irish roots and that's where the Clarkes came from before coming to Samoa.
"It's probably why I like Guinness. I'm not a drinker, but when I tried it I was like, 'Wow, that was so nice'."
Clarke, 25 and with 25 Test caps, hasn't played Ireland or visited the country before.
He said that recent games between the All Blacks and Ireland did not impact him as much as other players, although he felt the concentration of the New Zealanders was on this game and not on the past.
He said last year's World Cup quarterfinal win by the All Blacks was irrelevant.
"We sort of parked that to the side, and moving forward, we know how dangerous Ireland is as a team and what they bring.
"Playing here in Ireland is going to be a big task ahead.
"The quarterfinal has been pushed aside, and we're focusing on what will come. That's a strong Irish team with strong Irish supporters, and we'll be ready.
"The most important thing is what's coming and the big challenge it's going to be because we know there are going to be a lot of fireworks out there whether that's on or off the field, and we've got to be prepared for all of that."
Clarke said the series loss at home to Ireland in 2022 wasn't a motivating factor for him either.
"I didn't play in that series. It would be on the boys' mind, but the most important thing is what's coming ahead and the big challenge it's going to be."