IRELAND has made history today voting to ditch its ban on abortion in a landslide referendum result.

Yes campaigners celebrated wildly as 66.4 per cent voted to change strict abortion laws, classed as Ireland’s most important debate.

56 Women celebrate the result of the historic referendum result as 66 per cent back change Credit: CLODAGH KILCOYNE

The public decided by a two-to-one landslide to repeal part of the state's constitution which effectively prohibits terminations unless a mother's life is endangered.

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, who led the Yes campaign, said Ireland is not "divided" but has "stepped out from under the last of our shadows and into the light".

Marking this landmark result as the day Ireland "came of age as a country", he added: "The X marked on the ballot paper represented much more than an individual vote.

For all the latest results and updates, follow our live blog.

"In 1983, 841,000 people voted to insert the eighth amendment into our constitution. In 2018, 1.4 million voted to remove it."

Donegal was the only constituency out of 40 to vote "No" in what Varadkar described as a "quiet revolution".

The historic vote saw thousands of Irish citizens living overseas flocking back to the Emerald Isle to exercise their democratic right on the emotive issue.

56 Yes campaigners jubilate as results of the referendum are announced Credit: AFP or licensors

56 Activists react at the count centre as votes are tallied following yesterday's referendum Credit: Reuters

56 Long time campaigner Annette Forde, from Drumcondra, celebrates at the count centre Credit: PA:Press Association

56 Chair of the Institute of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Dr Peter Boylan arrives at the count centre in Dublin Credit: PA:Press Association

Irish PM Leo Varadkar hails the 'quiet revolution' as Ireland votes overwhelming in favour to repeal the Eighth Amendment in it's abortion referendum

Referendum results so far Galway East

Yes: 60.19% No: 39.81% Dublin Central

Yes: 76.51% No: 23.49% Cork South-Central

Yes: 68.84% No: 31.16% Cork North-Central

Yes: 64.02% No: 35.98% Wexford

Yes: 68.40% No: 31.60% Wicklow

Yes: 74.26% No: 25.74% Waterford

Yes: 69.43% No: 30.57% Kildare South

Yes: 70.66% No: 29.34% Laois

Yes: 61.35% No: 38.65% Limerick County

Yes: 58.08% No: 41.92% Clare

Yes: 64.28% No: 35.72% Tipperary

Yes: 59.15% No: 40.85% Offaly

Yes: 58.05% No: 41.95% Louth

Yes: 66.55% No: 33.45% Dublin North-West

Yes: 73.08% No: 26.92% Kildare North

Yes: 73.56% No: 26.44% Limerick City

Yes: 66.87% No: 33.13% Roscommon-Galway

Yes: 57.21% No: 42.79% Galway West

Yes: 65.95% No: 34.05% Dublin Bay North

Yes: 74.69% No: 25.31% Dun Laoghaire

Yes: 77.06% No: 22.94% Dublin Fingal

Yes: 76.96% No: 23.04% Dublin West:

Yes: 74.02% No: 25.98% Dublin South-Central

Yes: 74.79% No: 25.21% Dublin South-West

Yes: 74.91% No: 25.09% Dublin Rathdown

Yes: 76.10% No: 23.90% Mayo

Yes: 57.07% No: 42.93% Meath East

Yes: 69.21% No: 30.79% Meath West

Yes: 63.95% No: 36.05% Longford-Westmeath

Yes: 58.27% No: 41.73% Cork North-West

Yes: 60.10% No: 39.9% Carlow-Kilkenny

Yes: 63.50% No: 36.50% Cork South-West

Yes: 64.51% No: 35.49% Kerry

Yes: 58.27% No: 41.73% Dublin Mid-West

Yes: 73.27% No: 26.73% Dublin Bay South

Yes: 78.49% No: 21.51% Cavan-Monaghan

Yes: 55.46% No: 44.54% Donegal Yes: 48.13% No: 51.87% Cork East Yes: 64.12% No: 35.88% Sligo-Leitrim Yes: 59.38% No: 40.62%

56 Hundreds of people gathered in Dublin to await the results of the referendum Credit: Reuters

56 A woman cries as she celebrates the historic referendum results Credit: Reuters

56 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, right,prepares to speak to hundreds of people who are celebrating the result Credit: CLODAGH KILCOYNE

56 A woman dressed as an angel celebrates in Dublin Credit: Reuters

Campaigners for repeal were in floods of tears and hugging one another as indications revealed a landslide victory for women in Ireland.

The Irish Government intends to legislate by the end of the year to make it relatively easy for a woman to obtain the procedure in early pregnancy.

Varadkar, a medical doctor who came to power last year, described the victory as "the culmination of a quiet revolution" that has been unfolding in the past 10 to 20 years.

Addressing crowds at Dublin Castle earlier today, he said: "The people have spoken."

The Together For Yes organisation said: “This is a vote for dignity and decency.

“If exit polls are reflected in the official vote count later today, this will be a moment of profound change in Ireland's social history, a moment when the nation collectively stood up for women and for their healthcare, and voted for constitutional change.”

Galway East, in Ireland's west, became the first constituency to declare a result, with 60.19 per cent for Yes and 39.81 per cent for No and turnout was 63 per cent.

56 Yes vote supporters celebrate at Dublin Castle as the results of the referendum come through Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Voters in the once deeply Catholic country were asked if they wish to scrap a 1983 amendment to the constitution that gives an unborn child and its mother equal rights to life.

The consequent prohibition on abortion was partly lifted in 2013 for cases where the mother's life is in danger.

56 Yes campaigners celebrate as the results begin coming through Credit: Reuters

56 Members of the quartet Voices For Appeal wait at Dublin Castle for the result of the referendum Credit: Reuters

56 Women celebrate with Yes signs after a referendum on abortion Credit: EPA

56 A pro-choice supporter breaks down in tears as the votes are counted Credit: PA:Press Association

56 Floral tributes are laid at a mural to Savita Halappanavar who died in 2012 due to the complications of a septic miscarriage Credit: AFP or licensors

56 Yes campaigners celebrate at the count centre in Dublin as it looks like a landslide victory for repeal Credit: PA:Press Association

56 Celebrations have erupted in Ireland as the count continues in the abortion referendum Credit: CLODAGH KILCOYNE

56 A party atmosphere erupted amongst yes campaigners as the results began trickling through Credit: PA:Press Association

56 Yes campaigners cheer as they wait for the official result at Dublin Castle Credit: AFP or licensors

56 Tears of joy as all signs point to a landslide historic victory in Ireland Credit: Reuters

56 Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald, centre, celebrates with members of the Yes campaign Credit: AP:Associated Press

56 Minister for Health Simon Harris (centre) arrives at the count centre in Dublin with Fine Gael's Kate O'Connell and Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy (left) Credit: PA:Press Association

56 Co-Director of Together For Yes Ailbhe Smyth speaks to the media gathered at the count centre Credit: PA:Press Association

Ministers have promised to allow terminations within the first 12 weeks, subject to medical advice and a cooling-off period, and between 12 and 24 weeks in exceptional circumstances.

Health minister Simon Harris said he was "delighted" with the result, adding: "Celebration is the wrong word.

"There are tears of relief...tears from women thinking: if I was ever in this situation I now know my country will be a more compassionate place, tears from men like me - if it was ever my wife, my mother, my sister, daughter...I now know they would be supported."

Sophie Walker, Leader of the Women’s Equality Party, said: "Now begins the hard work of making free, safe and legal abortion a reality.

"And to campaigning for our sisters in Northern Ireland to ensure that they can have the same rights to abortion as the women of the rest of the UK.

"And to work to decriminalise abortion everywhere so that women can access this as a basic healthcare right - as a conversation between a woman and her doctor, and no-body else."

56 Observers at the official count look jovial as all signs point to a repeal victory Credit: Getty Images - Getty

56 Yes activists were seen in a joyful mood as Ireland's decision looks set Credit: Reuters

56 People emotionally listen to results of an exit poll Credit: Reuters

56 A Yes campaigner breaks down in tears as the country votes on the 8th amendment Credit: Getty Images - Getty

56 Repeal supporters are filled with emotion as the count begins in Ireland

56 A yes ballot is shown at count in Dublin as the world waits for the results

56 Tally keepers at work as votes are counted in Dublin

56 Votes are being counted as Ireland voted over a change to the 8th Amendment of the Irish Constitution

56 Ireland has voted overwhelmingly in favour of liberalising abortion laws, an exit poll has revealed Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Last night's exit polls represent a remarkable turnaround in public opinion in a relatively short time.

In 1983, 67 per cent of citizens voted to insert the Eighth Amendment into the constitution.

Ireland's younger generation has been seen as responsible for the sweeping change in attitude and reversal in Irish opinions.

56 Vote No campaigner Krzysztof Kiedrowski wears a Jesus Christ T-shirt and looks dejected Credit: PA:Press Association

Inside the 'Yes' campaign fighting to legalise abortion in Ireland

Despite the official results still a few hours away, celebrations have already erupted at the counting centre after Ireland’s pro-life ‘Save the 8th’ campaign conceded defeat.

Exit polls predicted a landslide victory for the YES campaign last night as the PM hailed the early results as “democracy in action”.

56 A woman tearfully kneels in front of a mural of Savita Halappanavar who died from a septic miscarriage after she was refused a termination in Ireland

56 Yes campaign activist and podcaster Andrea Horan (L) is hugged by Cara Sanquest (R) as the count continues Credit: Getty Images - Getty

56 A woman checks underneath a ballot box in Dublin to make sure it has been emptied properly Credit: CLODAGH KILCOYNE

56 Yes campaigners hug one another at the count in Dublin Credit: Getty Images - Getty

56 Emotions are running high as Yes campaigners prepare for a historic victory Credit: Reuters

56 A Yes campaigner breaks down in tears and is hugged as the count continues in Dublin Credit: Getty Images - Getty

56 Activists react at the count centre as votes are tallied Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Counting begins in Ireland's abortion referendum as exit polls predict a landslide win for the Yes campaign to repeal the Eighth Amendment

Taoiseach Leo Varadkar tweeted: “Thank you to everyone who voted today. Democracy in action. It’s looking like we will make history tomorrow.... #Together4Yes”.

His comments came as an RTE exit poll suggested that almost 70 per cent of voters wanted to see an end to the termination ban.

56 Votes continue to be counted as the world awaits the results from Ireland Credit: Getty Images - Getty

56 Yes campaigner and ROSA activist Keishia Taylor celebrates at early indications point to a victory for repeal Credit: Getty Images - Getty

56 A Yes campaigner breast feeds her baby at the count in Dublin Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Another exit poll, conducted by Ipsos/MRBI for The Irish Times, suggests the margin of those in favour of liberalising the law will be around 68 per cent to 32 per cent.

The paper, which quizzed 4,000 voters leaving booths on Friday, says there was a huge difference in the views held by young and old voters.

It found 87 per cent of people aged 18 to 24 voted Yes, while 83 per cent of those aged 25 to 34 also voted to repeal.

In stark contrast, the over 65 age group voted No - by 60 per cent to 40 per cent.

Meet the 'No' campaigners fighting to keep abortion illegal in Ireland

56 Taoiseach Leo Varadkar casting his vote in the referendum on Friday Credit: Getty Images - Getty

56 Workers wait to start counting votes at Dublin's RDS as the world awaits the result with bated breath

56 Yes vote supporters celebrated the exit polls overnight in Dublin as Ireland prepares for historic change today Credit: @mairinmurray

56 Niamh Gavin casts her vote as she holds her daughter Fiadh aged five months at a polling station in Athlone, Ireland Credit: Getty Images - Getty

56 A mother holds her baby as she casts her vote in the abortion referendum in Ireland Credit: PA:Press Association

56 Polls closed at 10pm amid reports of strong turnout in many parts of the country, particularly in urban areas Credit: Getty Images - Getty

56 A woman and a child enter a polling station in Dublin, Ireland, on Friday Credit: EPA

56 An Irish Times exit poll released Friday night projected a landslide victory for those who want to loosen abortion laws, but official results are not expected until Saturday afternoon Credit: Getty Images - Getty

Tánaiste and Deputy Prime Minister of Ireland Simon Coveney also celebrated the early indications last night, tweeting: "Thank you to everybody who voted today - democracy can be so powerful on days like today - looks like a stunning result that will bring about a fundamental change for the better. Proud to be Irish tonight. Thank u to all at @Together4yes".

Voters queued throughout the day on Friday in the blistering sunshine, with one of the highest reported turnouts for a referendum.

Dr Tiernan Murray on why Ireland's abortion laws stop him helping his patients

G’wan Ireland. This is a big day, and we’re all thinking of you. #yesyesIsaidyes — Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) May 25, 2018

Prominent Irish celebrities have already started celebrating, with a number of interesting tweets, celebratory messages and hilarious memes springing up online.

Writer Graham Linehan, who changed his Twitter name to Graham YES Linehan, tweeted a doctored image showing a famous scene from Father Ted.

The image shows the priest - representing Ireland - kicking a bishop representing the Eighth Amendment.

56 Credit: Twitter

Irish author Marian Keyes was - who changed her Twitter handle to Marian KeYES for the vote - was among the first celebrities to react on Twitter.

Welcoming the exit poll's findings, she wrote: "Oh my god Lads! Exit poll shows 68% voted YES! Can exit polls be trusted? If so, THIS IS GREAT THANK YOU, EVERYONE!!!"

Irish comedian and television presenter Dara O Briain expressed his surprise, tweeting simply "Janey mac", having earlier tweeted: "G'wan Ireland. This is a big day, and we're all thinking of you. #yesyesIsaidyes"

56 Credit: Twitter

Call The Midwife star Stephen McGann revealed he was brought to tears by the exit poll.

He tweeted: "Tearing up in work at reports of the exit poll. Those silent legions of poor, scared, lonely women. All of that coldness and shame. Please let it end now with a single, strong, healing heart. x."

56 A woman casts her vote with her young daughters in the referendum on the 8th Amendment of the Irish Constitution, in Dublin, Ireland Credit: AP:Associated Press

Ireland legalised divorce by a razor-thin majority only in 1995, but became the first country to adopt gay marriage.

However no social issue has divided its 4.8 million people as sharply as abortion.

It was pushed up the political agenda in 2012 following the death of a 31-year-old Indian immigrant from a septic miscarriage after she was refused a termination.

56 If the public does vote Yes, the Irish Government intends to legislate by the end of the year to make it relatively easy for a woman to obtain the procedure in early pregnancy Credit: PA:Press Association

Videos shared on social media showed scores of voters arriving home at Irish airports from abroad.

Ireland does not allow expatriates to vote via post or in embassies but those away for less than 18 months remain on the electoral roll.

As with the gay marriage referendum, those using the #hometovote hashtag on Twitter appeared overwhelmingly to back change.

Many posted photos of themselves wearing sweatshirts bearing the "Repeal" slogan.

56 People hold yes placards as the country heads to polling stations in Dublin, Ireland Credit: Getty Images - Getty

"Yes" campaigners have argued that with over 3,000 women travelling to Britain each year for terminations - a right enshrined in a 1992 referendum - and others ordering pills illegally online, abortion is already a reality in Ireland.

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Although not on the ballot paper, the "No" camp has seized on government plans to allow abortions with no restriction up to 12 weeks into a pregnancy if the referendum is carried, calling it a human rights issue and a step too far for most voters.

Videos shared on social media showed scores of voters arriving home at Irish airports from abroad.

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