Nightclubs in Republic of Ireland can reopen this weekend

News

Nightclubs in the Republic of Ireland will be allowed to reopen this weekend, the Cabinet has agreed.

Today, Friday 21st January, it was announced that almost all restrictions in place in the Republic are likely be lifted from 6 AM on Saturday (22nd January). The Taoiseach Micheál Martin is expected to address the nation at 6 PM to confirm the announcement.  

Indoor and outdoor events, including clubs and concerts, are set to return to full capacity. Proof of vaccine status or a negative Covid test will no longer be required for entry at any event. Mask-wearing in indoor public spaces will remain in place. 

Pubs and restaurants will also  be allowed to return to normal operating hours, after restrictions put in place in December enforced an 8 PM curfew. 

The news comes after a tumultuous few months for Irish clubbing. Nightclubs reopened briefly at the end of October, but a midnight curfew was put in place just weeks later. As the Omicron variant took hold toward the end of 2021, clubs were forced to shut, while restrictions were put in place across the hospitality sector. 

The announcement arrives at the end of a week that saw England announcing that all Covid restrictions for clubs would be lifted next week, and Scotland announcing that clubs would reopen on the 24th.

#BREAKING

It’s happening. Cabinet plans to scrap most restrictions from tomorrow.

Pubs and restaurant hours to return to normal.

Nightclubs reopen.

FULL attendance at indoor and outdoor events.

Covid pass requirement gone for hospitality.@VirginMediaNews

— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) January 21, 2022