Ireland’s historic vote to enshrine gay marriage in the Constitution was heralded as a new era with tears and joy.

Some of the most high-profile campaigners and figureheads of the equal rights campaign were quick to share their thoughts as victory was declared from early on Saturday.

Here are some of the reactions:

"Something has been awakened in the Irish people . . . it was not just a referendum it was more like a social revolution." - Minister for Health Leo Varadkar.

"This is the epitome of a grassroots campaign that started 40 years ago when a tiny group stood up and said they had nothing to be afraid of." - drag queen and rights campaigner Pantibliss (Rory O'Neill).

"It's wonderful. It's a little bit late for me . . . I've spent so much time pushing the boat out that I forgot to jump on and now it's out beyond the harbour on the high seas, but it's very nice to look at." - Senator David Norris, who drove the decriminalisation of homosexuality from the 1970s to 1993.

"I'm feeling emotional from the top all the way down to my toes." - Senator Katherine Zappone, who unsuccessfully fought years of court battles to have her marriage in Canada recognised in Ireland and proposed on live television as the results became known.

"We have created a change, all of us. That's the wonderful thing about the referendum, all of us together have created this change." - Anne Louise Gilligan, Katherine Zappone's wife.

"Ireland hasn't just said "Yes" ... Ireland has said: F*** YEAAHHHH" - Minister for Equality Aodhán Ó Ríordáin.

"It's down to the brave, ordinary people of Ireland who took their courage in their hands." - former minister Pat Carey (68), who came out as gay earlier this year.

"I think it is a very powerful statement by Ireland to the rest of the world." - former Labour leader Eamon Gilmore, who pushed the Government to hold a referendum.

"Congratulations to the Yes site. Well done." - a tweet earlier today from No campaigner David Quinn of the Iona Institute.

Additional reporting: PA