Ireland has secured a seat on the UN Security Council for two years.
A total of 128 countries voted for Ireland for one of the two 'Western Europe and other states' seat - exactly the required two-thirds majority.
Norway secured the other seat in the category, winning more votes than Ireland.
Canada had also been bidding to win a seat on the influential council, with both Canada and Norway spending more on their bids than Ireland.
Reacting to this evening's news, President Michael D Higgins said it is a "cause for celebration".
He said: "The work of a dedicated team has been recognised, and I congratulate them on having brought what was a principled campaign, in a competitive environment, to both fruition and success.
"The support Ireland has received vindicates the decision to run a campaign that did not avoid the issues that are urgent; a campaign that engaged with global issues, such as peace-building and peacekeeping, the elimination of global poverty, the strengthening of multilateralism, and reform of the United Nations.
"The Irish campaign demonstrated an empathy with regional issues and the importance of a practical response in support of those most affected by climate change."
Diplomatic campaign
The Irish Government spent €840,000 on its campaign for the seat over the last three years.
Efforts included events featuring U2 and Riverdance, as well as a diplomatic push from Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and Tánaiste Simon Coveney in many of their dealings with foreign dignitaries.
Minister Coveney had described today's UN vote as "arguably the biggest day for Irish foreign policy for 20 years".
Ireland last won a temporary Security Council seat in 2001.
The Security Council has a total of 15 seats, including five permanent members (China, France, Russia, the US and UK).
