The vast majority of Irish people, 66,4%, according to the final results of the count, voted in favor of the abolition of the 8th amendment to the Constitution and the liberalization of abortion legislation.
The Prime Minister of Ireland Leo Varadkar welcomed the completion of the "silent revolution" in his country where the "yes" voted a resounding victory in the referendum for the liberalization of the abortion regime, according to some results of the count.
"People spoke. The result seems to be resounding - in favor of repealing Amendment 8 of the constitution banning abortions, Leo Varadcar told reporters in Dublin.
"What we are seeing is the culmination of a silent revolution that has been taking place in Ireland for the last two decades."
67,38 percent of voters voted in favor of liberalizing abortion legislation in universal Ireland, one of the most restrictive in Europe, after counting 21% of the vote. The participation amounts to 64,75%.
The result of yesterday's referendum is the second earthquake to shake Ireland three years after legalizing, again in a referendum, same-sex marriage.
The government proposes the complete release of abortion for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy and up to 24 weeks for health reasons. Leo Varadkar, Ireland's first openly gay prime minister, said the new legislation would take effect before the end of the year.
Health Minister Simon Harris said the government would meet on Tuesday to discuss the bill, which will be presented to parliament in the autumn, and will pass without difficulty as the leaders of the two largest parties, Fianna Feil and Sinn Fein, support the reform.
"The end of the era of Erebus"
In a Dublin polling station, the atmosphere is festive. People hug and kiss excitedly. "We ended up with a story that was really tough for women," said 71-year-old Ailbhe Smyth.
Two exit polls give "yes" 68% and 69,4% respectively.
According to the Ipsos / MRBI survey for the Irish Times, 70% of women voted "yes" and 65% of men. But the percentage is overwhelming for young people who voted 87% in favor of liberalizing the legislation.
Those over 65 voted "no" by a majority.
"It simply came to our notice then. "We are no longer a backward country, as the Church wanted us to believe," said a 53-year-old Dublin florist.