The City of Derry has been named as UK City of Culture 2013.
The announcement was made at a ceremony in Liverpool today by the British Minister for Culture, Ed Vaizey.
The news was met with jubilant scenes in Derry's Guildhall Square.
The Taoiseach said he was delighted for the people of Derry on the city's victory.
Brian Cowen said it was a tremendous achievement that will 'allow Derry and the North West to show the wider world how far it has come and how much it has to offer.'
Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin congratulated those involved in the successful bid saying it was a great day for Derry and Northern Ireland.
Mr Martin said: ‘Its status as the first UK City of Culture will provide an opportunity for many new visitors to come and fall in love with the Maiden City.’
Derry faced competition for the award from Norwich, Birmingham and Sheffield.
Derry City Council's Arts Officer Brendan McMenamin said becoming UK's City of Culture could bring a financial bonus to the area of several hundred million pounds.
He also said that counties across the border like Donegal, which supported Derry's bid, could also benefit substantially.
