Thousands of people in Ireland have taken to the streets to celebrate the landslide victory for the 'Yes' campaign in a referendum to support same-sex marriage in the country.

The referendum held on 22 May saw 62% of voters back changing the Irish constitution to allow same-sex marriage, making it the first country in the world to support gay marriage by popular vote.

'Yes' supporters crowded into Dublin castle to watch the results be announced on a large TV screen, before wildly celebrating afterwards. Many couples proposed to each other amidst a sea of rainbow flags, including Irish Senator and Yes campaigner Katherine Zappone.

Same sex-marriage laws came into force in England and Wales in March 2014, and in December 2014 in Scotland, but the devolved government of Northern Ireland has no plans to introduce similar legislation.

Same-sex marriage is currently legal in 17 nations across the world, which will be joined by Ireland Slovenia and Finland over the next two years. Referenda on the issue in Slovenia and Croatia have both resulted in no votes.

More about Ireland's same-sex marriage referendum