Ireland CHEER for PM Leo Varadkar after abortion vote 1769451558tSMpLUe6
The vote decides whether to repeal the Eighth Amendment which effectively bans abortion in Ireland.
The Taoiseach tweeted after the results of both the Irish Times and RTE exit polls were revealed.
Two exit polls - by broadcaster RTE and the Irish Times - suggested a landslide victory to repeal the amendment.
RTE's exit poll suggested 69.4 per cent in favour of the Yes side in the referendum and 30.6 per cent for 'No'.
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The Irish Times exit poll also showed similar results with 68 per cent voting ‘Yes’ to 32 per cent voting for ‘No’.
Mr Varadkar expressed his thanks to those who voted, tweeting: "Thank you to everyone who voted today. Democracy in action. It’s looking like we will make history tomorrow."
Meanwhile, Health Minister Simon Harris said he will "sleep tonight in the hope of waking up to a country that is more compassionate, more caring and more respectful".
He wrote online; "It has been an honour to be on this journey with you and to work #togetherforyes. See you all tomorrow!"
Irish PM Leo Varadkar threatens to steal UK business after Brexit 1769450320TZe7tRS8
Mr Varadkar, who called the referendum, was among the first to cast his ballot when polling stations opened.
He said: "I always get a little buzz from voting.
“It always feels like democracy in action.
"I'm not taking anything for granted of course, but quietly confident there's been a good turnout so far across the country and hopefully it will be a yes vote."
A total of 70 per cent of women voted in favour of legalising terminations, and support was also high among men, who voted 65 - 35 in favour of lifting the ban.
Even areas that were predicted to have a large ’No’ vote appear to have voted in favour of a new law change.
People used the hashtag #HomeToVote on Twitter to share their journeys.
Some Irish citizens had travelled from as far as Tokyo and Australia to cast their votes.