Counting begins on Saturday in Ireland's historic referendum on abortion as exit polls showed an overwhelming vote in favour of liberalising some of the strictest laws in Europe.
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Friday's vote to repeal a ban in this traditionally Catholic country was predicted to win by a two-thirds majority.
An Irish Times poll of 4,000 said the "Yes" camp was leading by 68 percent to 32 percent. Another poll by national broadcaster RTE suggested an even bigger victory, with 69 percent to 30 percent backing reforms.
The survey suggested that women voted by 70 percent in favour of the proposal and 30 percent against. Support among men was 65 percent pro-choice and 35 percent anti-abortion.
Prime Minister Leo Varadkar, who backs the reform, has thanked everyone who voted, via Twitter.
Thank you to everyone who voted today. Democracy in action. It’s looking like we will make history tomorrow.... #Together4Yes
People over 65, however, voted mostly against overhauling the current legislation, which only allows terminations in cases where the mother's life is in danger.
Among the youngest voters, 18-24-year-olds, the poll found that 87 percent of respondents voted to allow abortion.
The exit poll showed "an overwhelming desire for change that nobody has foreseen," wrote Irish Times deputy political editor Fiach Kelly.
Nearly 3.5 million voters were asked whether they wanted to overturn the ban after an emotional and divisive campaign.
Ireland has traditionally been one of the most religious countries in Europe. However, the Roman Catholic Church's influence has waned in recent years following a series of child sex abuse scandals.
However, the Roman Catholic Church's influence has waned in recent years following a series of child sex abuse scandals.
The referendum came three months before a visit by Pope Francis for the World Meeting of Families and three years after Ireland voted to legalise same-sex marriage despite the Church's opposition.
At present Ireland's eighth amendment - which could be repealed in the vote - recognises the "right to life of the unborn" with an "equal right to life of the mother".
The Irish government has proposed that if the eighth amendment is repealed, abortion will be allowed up to 12 weeks and between 12 and 24 weeks in exceptional circumstances.
