A ceremony is taking place in Dublin which will see more than 5,000 people become new Irish citizens.
Applicants from over 130 countries are being conferred with citizenship today and tomorrow.
Before the doors of Dublin's Convention Centre had opened, a queue had formed.
Despite the capital's biting wind, the mood among the soon-to-be Irish citizens was upbeat.
At the top of the line was Vijayanti Jayaratne.
"I'm feeling very happy and very special today," she says.
Ms Jayaratne came from Sri Lanka in 2006, and works here as a special needs assistant.
"I'm just very privileged and honoured to be part of the Irish community," she says.
Waiting nearby is Barbara Franzonidaileira.
"I'm very excited. I've been waiting for this for a long time."
Ms Franzonidaileira left Brazil for Ireland 15 years ago.
"I didn't know much about Ireland...I just came over to study, to learn English, and then I just fell in love with it...the people are amazing, really welcoming."
She works for an energy company now, and says she has also adapted to the climate.
"You get used to it," she says.
She has been looking forward to today's ceremony.
"It's all been overwhelming... it's just a confirmation that this is my home."
Derly Vivas had similar emotions.
Originally from Venezuela, she came to Ireland 11 years ago to improve her English, and ended up marrying here.
"It's a really important day for me. I never imagined that this was going to be my second home. So I'm really happy about that."
In total more than 5,000 people from over 100 countries will get their Irish citizenship over the next two days.
The ten nationalities with most applicants are: India (914), United Kingdom (614), Brazil (531), Romania (380), Poland (360), Philippines (241), South Africa (210), Nigeria (205), Pakistan (191) and United States (191).
Helen Farag, originally from Egypt came to study at Trinity College in 2012.
"I came here just to study, and I never thought I'd stay so long. I found a home. I found love, got engaged to an Irish man. It's the home I never realised I needed."
Jeremy Worth came from the UK 30 years ago and hasn't left.
"I feel more Irish than English now. So it's a very nice and joyous occasion for me," he says.
"I know I'm Irish now, now that I have the paper, as well as knowing it in my heart."
