TODAY MARKS the beginning of Ireland leaving lockdown after a long five months under harsh restrictions.
In what is by far the most substantial reopening this year, the Irish public are now allowed to cross county borders, meet friends in a garden, attend mass and even get their hair done.
Here's what's changing from today:
Which restrictions are being lifted in Ireland today?
From today, 10 May, the following changes to restrictions will come into place:
- Travel nationwide is allowed, with the public no longer confined to their own county
- Galleries, museums, libraries and other cultural spaces can reopen
- Outdoor retail such as markets and garden centres can reopen
- Non-essential retail can open for appointment-only and click-and-collect
- Public transport can carry passengers with up to 50% capacity
- Adult outdoor sports training can return in pods of up to 15
- Up to three households or six individuals can meet outdoors, including in a private garden
- Up to three people can meet indoors if they are fully vaccinated
- A fully vaccinated person can also meet one non-vaccinated household indoors
- Mass and other religious services can resume with up to 50 people in attendance
- 50 people can attend a funeral
- 50 people can attend a wedding service, however after-parties are restricted to 6 guests indoors or 15 outdoors
- Personal services including hairdressers, beauticians and barbers can reopen for appointments, with no walk-ins allowed
