In a thrilling game showcasing many of the GUINNESS PRO12's brightest stars, Scarlets centre Scott Williams scored a try in the second half to keep Ireland at arm's length.
But the game was won at last, deep in Wales territory, as man-of-the-match Warburton and co flung their bodies into the tackle - at one point stifling Ireland through 32 phases of play.
Ospreys fly-half Dan Biggar also got himself on the scoresheet, slotting a trademark drop-goal in the first half, and Wales' combined efforts edged a 23-16 victory.
Wales face Italy in Rome next weekend and Warburton, who has appeared eight times for the Blues in the GUINNESS PRO12 this season, couldn't hide his delight at the final whistle.
"That's one of the most tired and exhausted I've felt after a Test match for a long time, it was an absolutely unbelievable effort," said Warburton, who captained Wales for a record-breaking 34th time.
"There was so much emotion building up to all week to this match, we knew we can't have a second chance anymore, we have to win every game we have and it was just an unbelievable effort from the boys.
"Ireland, to their credit, they just kept coming and coming all the time, went through a lot of phases, and in defence it was so tough.
"We just said all we have to do is keep our discipline, no penalties, we struggled with that in the second half over the first half.
"But the main message coming back out was to win the penalty count and hopefully that would see us over the finishing line."
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