Brexit has officially taken place, with the UK having now formally left the European Union.
Celebrations and protests have been held across the UK to mark the country's exit from the bloc after 47 years of membership.
However, an 11-month 'transition period' is now underway to allow for trade talks and negotiations on the 'future relationship'.
Tweeting shortly after the UK's formal exit at 11 pm, Tánaiste Simon Coveney said "good bye and good luck to my friends in the UK" - adding that history was "changing course tonight".
Good bye & good luck to my friends in the UK. History is changing course tonight. I hope we can make the new realities work. Despite all that has happened through BREXIT so far, we will miss you in the EU as a close friend and ally. 🇬🇧🇪🇺🇮🇪
— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) January 31, 2020
Speaking earlier on Friday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said: "We want to have the best possible relationship with the UK. But it will never be as good as membership."
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson addressed the UK in a video released exactly an hour before Brexit officially took place.
Tonight we are leaving the European Union. pic.twitter.com/CboWQzYRM4
— UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) January 31, 2020
He said: "The most important thing to say tonight is that this is not an end, but a beginning.
"This is the moment when the dawn breaks and the curtain goes up on a new act in our great national drama."
In Brussels, the Union Jack flag was removed from flagpoles in EU buildings ahead of the UK's departure - with the British flag replaced with the blue and yellow EU one.
Events have been taking place across the UK, with crowds gathering to count down to the moment the UK left the EU.
Thousands of Brexit supporters gathered at Parliament Square in London to celebrate as the clock ticked down to 11 pm, with Nigel Farage among the speakers addressing the gathered crowds.
Britain's departure is being marked with a light show in Downing Street, and a commemorative 50 pence piece is entering into circulation in the UK.
Brexit supporters gather during a rally in London, Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein)However, there were also protests and vigils to mark Brexit - including members of the Border Communities Against Brexit taking part in a demonstration in Carrickcarnon on the Irish border.
Pro-EU campaigners also gathered in Scotland, with vigils and demonstrations being held in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling.
St Andrew's House, a Scottish Government building in Edinburgh, is illuminated in blue and yellow, the colours of the European flag, ahead of the UK leaving the European Union at 11pm on Friday. Picture by: Jane Barlow/PA Wire/PA ImagesThe UK's departure comes more than 1,300 days after the Brexit referendum in 2016.
The process was repeatedly delayed due to parliamentary deadlocks in Westminster - including MPs rejecting the initial Withdrawal Agreement.
However, the decisive victory of Boris Johnson and the Conservatives in December's general election in the UK ensured a smooth legislative passage for the re-negotiated deal - guaranteeing their exit from the EU on January 31st.
