Aoife O'Sullivan from Ballinadee, near Kinsale, is waking up in "disbelief" this morning.
The beautiful 23-year-old fought off 31 hopefuls last night to be crowned Miss Ireland 2018.
The Cork native is a primary school teacher and a model.
Aoife teaches senior infants in St Maries of the Isle in Cork and is signed to Andrea Roche's Dublin agency.
In an Instagram post this morning, Aoife seemed to be getting to grips with securing top spot.
"I have woken up this morning in total disbelief of what has happened last night. I am so so GRATEFUL for this once in a lifetime opportunity," she said.
Aoife thanked the organisers as well as her fellow finalists in the competition.
"To all of the beautiful and kind-hearted contestants, you have made this journey to Miss Ireland all the more special and I will always cherish the friendships I have made."
"It is truly a dream come true to take on this prestigious role and I am so honoured to follow in the footsteps of the previous Miss Ireland’s who I have always admired."
"I look forward to the year to come and take great pride in representing Ireland in the @missworld final in China later this year," she concluded.
This isn't the first time the teacher has been involved with Miss Ireland.
Three years ago she took part in the competition and came in as a second runner-up, and the exposure launched her modelling career.
This time around, Aoife choose to support the charity, Jigsaw in Cork, which aids young people with their mental health.
Cheering her on last night in the Dublin's Helix Theatre was her boyfriend Colm Spillane.
Colm is also a teacher and plays on the Cork hurling team.
They both share a passion for the GAA.
A huge congratulations to Aoife and the very best of luck in China.
