Almost two thirds of people believe gay couples should have the same financial and legal rights as married couples, according to a poll published today.
But half of the population are against same sex partners adopting children, the Millward Brown IMS survey carried out for the Sunday Tribune newspaper found.
Some 64 per cent of those polled were in favour of extending current rights afforded to heterosexual married couples - such as tax and inheritance provisions - to same sex couples.
Just over a quarter (26 per cent) were opposed to such a development, while 10 per cent replied they didn't know or had no opinion on the issue.
Asked whether gay and lesbian couples should be legally entitled to adopt children in Ireland, 50 per cent of respondents said they should not.
A sizeable minority (37per cent) believe same sex partners should be allowed to adopt children, while 13 per cent didn't know or didn't have an opinion.
All unmarried couples are presently barred from adopting children in the state, although they can foster children. Single persons, regardless of their sexual orientation, can adopt children.
A campaign for equal rights for same sex couples has received growing support recently, following the introduction of civil partnerships in the North and Britain last year.
Earlier this month, the High Court reserved its judgment in the case of a lesbian couple seeking to have their marriage in Canada recognised in the Republic, or alternatively be allowed to marry here.
Dr Katherine Zappone, a public policy consultant, and Dr Ann Louise Gilligan, an academic, took the landmark action against the Revenue Commissioners and the State, after their tax returns, filed as a married couple, were refused.
The case was welcomed by a wide range of gay support groups, human rights activists and political parties.