Ireland's World Cup heroes arrived in the Phoenix Park tonight to a welcome from nearly 100,00 cheering, singing and dancing fans.
Led by Ireland Manager Mick McCarthy, the squad went on parade at a pop concert staged in their honour in the centre of the Park.
A clearly emotional McCarthy was the first of the Irish party to be introduced to the throng.
He told them, prompting a massive roar: "We were told to expect a reception, but, honestly, we never ever expected anything like this. You are just amazing." The manager added: "This is just incredible. It makes you feel very humble - and also very proud to be Irish."
Thousands, clad in green white and gold streamed into the park from around 4pm onwards.
Earlier, one of the buses containing the Irish team broke down near Ballymun delaying there journey to the park.
Gardaí said that while traffic is blocked up around the park the garda helicopter is on hand to guide busses through any traffic problems.
With pop bands Westlifeheading the bill of entertainment - which also includes The Revs, Six and Picture House- the majority of the massive crowd is made up of young children and teenagers.
Armed to the teeth with inflatable hammers, an assortment of Ireland hats and tricolours, the crowd have been making a deafening noise and creating an electric atmosphere since the event started at around 6 p.m.
Earlier, the players touched down in Dublin Airport on a Boeing 747 chartered from the Dutch airline KLM after a 12-hour journey from South Korea.
Manager Mick McCarthy and his players were reunited with their families at the airport. The team were due to make there way by helicopter to meet President McAleese in Áras an Uactharáin but it is understood that this will not now happen as the Áras is a no-fly zone.
Also due to meet the team later are the Taoiseach Mr Ahern and Northern Ireland's Deputy First Minister Mr Mark Durkan, both keen football fans.
A fleet of buses is ferrying fans between George's Quay in the city centre and the Phoenix Park.
The decision not to base the homecoming on the streets of the capital was made for safety reasons. However, supporters and members of the team protested at the decision.
The evening’s entertainment will be provided by Westlife, Bellefire, Six, Picture House and Apres Match from 6 p.m. A fleet of buses will be available to ferry fans from George's Quay (at Tara Street Dart Station) to the Phoenix Park from 5 p.m.
The park will be closed to traffic from 12 p.m. and parking in the vicinity will be banned.