The team of Paul O’Shea, Cian O’Connor, Darragh Kenny and Peter Moloney took the title with just one penalty at the Real Club de Polo  in Barcelona.

O'Shea, O'Connor and Kenny all posted clear rounds to help the Irish team to secure victory in a thrilling finale.

Ireland edged out defending champions Belgium, who finished second on 4 penalty points after Gregory Wathelet failed to guide his side to victory.

Wathelet would have sealed the title for his team with a clear round, while one time penalty would have sent the final to a jump-off.

The Belgian, on board MJT Nevados S, looked on course to deliver but a refusal from his horse towards the conclusion of his ride ended his team's chances of pipping Ireland to top spot.

Sweden did enough for third place.

The triumph for Ireland means the nation has qualified teams in all three equestrian disciplines on the Olympic programme.

Ireland will also take part in the show jumping event at an Olympic Games for the first time since Athens 2004.

Cian O'Connor won the gold medal there but was later controversially stripped of it after his horse Waterford Crystal tested positive for a banned substance. 

Spain had earlier claimed the Challenge Cup crown on four penalties, four clear of the Netherlands in second place, while Brazil were third.