Christmas lockdown: What can stay open and what is being shut as new restrictions arrive on December 24

The Government has today confirmed a raft of new restrictions as Ireland heads into a a third round of lockdown.

The new measures were announced by the Taoiseach as the country battles with the spiralling coronavirus cases in the lead up to Christmas.

In an address to the nation, Micheal Martin confirmed the country would return to Level 5 restrictions with some exceptions and that many people will be taking the news with a "heavy heart".

"As a country and a community of people working together we have managed to sustain one of the lowest rates of Covid mortality in Europe and we want to keep it that way."

Among the new restrictions is the announcement that much of hospitality sector will have to shut down operations once again, while new rules surrounding household visits and inter-county have also been confirmed.

Most of the closures will take effect as early as this week on Christmas Eve and the plans will be reviewed on Januray 12.

Here's a break down of everything that will be open and closed.

The following will be closed under new restrictions:

Bars, Restaurants and Gastro pubs will all close on December 24 at 3pm except for takeaway service.

Colleges, and further education should remain primarily online.

Cinemas, theatres, and art galleries will all shut once again.

Barbers and hairdressers are also set to shut.

The following will is allowed to open under new restrictions:

Essential retail- this includes supermarkets such as Tesco, Lidl and Aldi which all sell essential goods.

Non-essential retail - this includes clothing retailers like Penneys, Brown Thomas and many more will be permitted to open but have been asked to defer Christmas sales -all other personal services are close

Hotels will only be allowed to open for essential non-tourist purposes, except for guests who already have a booking and are due to check in up to and including St Stephen's Day.

Gyms, leisure centres will also remain open for the time being for individual training

Golf courses, tennis courts and other outdoor sports where social distancing can be maintained will be allowed to continue.

Schools are also to remain open throughout the duration of restrictions.