Celebrations have been taking place to mark the one-year anniversary of the passing of the same-sex marriage referendum.
Rory O’Neill, also known as Panti Bliss, who was a prominent figure in the 'Yes' campaign, has said that Ireland is different now.
Speaking to RTÉ News, he said: "I think it has changed, I think it has changed more than I had anticipated.
"I think because we did it by referendum it is a much more powerful way of doing it and I think that immediately after the referendum the gay community here felt much more secure in their place in Irish society."
There have been 412 same-sex couples married in Ireland since the passing of the referendum on 23 May 2015. Over half of the marriages, 213, took place in Dublin
Celebrations mark one year anniversary of Ireland saying 'Yes' to same-sex marriage https://t.co/c3oNIUVMrBhttps://t.co/Vt9AvDMU7e
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) May 22, 2016
Rise in LGBT people coming out since referendum
Meanwhile. new research has indicated an increase in the number of LGBT young people who have come out since the passing of the same-sex marriage referendum on this day last year.
Over half of respondents to the survey conducted by the LGBT organisation BeLonG To said they know someone who has come out for the first time since the referendum.
However, the survey also shows that while a third of heterosexual respondents believe equality for LGBT people has been achieved, only 7% of LGBT people share the same view.
53% of the more than 1,300 14 to 23-year-olds surveyed said they know someone who has come out since last May, while nearly four out of ten people identifying as LGBT said they spoke to someone for the first time about their sexuality following the Yes vote.
However, the research found that more than six out of ten people believe those who have just come out as LGBT still do not know where to turn for support.
Although it is clear from BeLonG To's survey the Yes vote was a milestone in LGBT rights, the results suggest there is still much work to be done, with over half of young people polled agreeing homophobic or transphobic bullying is still prevalent.
Childrens' Minister Katherine Zappone said that that the passing of the same-sex mariage referendum a year ago was a huge first step, but it was important to continue to raise awareness about the challenges that young LGBT people face.
Pro-same-sex marriage support in Northern Ireland 'greater than in Republic'
The proportion of people backing marriage equality in Northern Ireland dwarfs the level of support in the Republic, a campaigner suggested.
More than 400 same-sex couples have married in Ireland since the ban was lifted late last year.
Amnesty International Northern Ireland director Patrick Corrigan said: "The 68% of people in Northern Ireland who have told opinion polls that they back marriage equality here dwarfs even the 62% of people who voted Yes in last year's referendum in the Republic.
"People are impatient for change. They have just returned a majority of pro-equal marriage politicians to the Assembly and now expect them to deliver without further delay or the misuse of petitions of concern to veto the will of the people."
Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK where a ban on same-sex marriage remains in place.
Efforts to lift the prohibition have been defeated five times in the Stormont Assembly.
The DUP has argued that gay couples already have the ability to enter into civil partnerships and the appetite is not there for further change.
The historic law permitting the marriage ceremony in the Republic was enacted on 16 November.
Grainne Healy, a co-founder of Yes Equality and Chair of Marriage Equality in the south, said: "It is a great joy to see the marriages that have taken place all around Ireland, with couples supported by their families, friends and communities in celebrating their love.
"Four hundred and 12 couples have already married since November last year. Hundreds more couples had their foreign marriages automatically recognised.
"We are delighted to share this day with those that helped and supported Yes Equality and look forward to many more happy days out for couples who can share in our joy."
