The next 10 days will be 'critical' in counties with high numbers of Covid-19 cases, the Taoiseach has warned.
At the moment, only Dublin is at Level 3 restrictions.
Donegal will join the capital from midnight on Friday, with the only major difference being that wet pubs will be allowed to stay open if they can serve customers outside.
Micheal Martin warned that more counties could soon follow suit, signalling out Louth, Kildare, Wicklow, Waterford, Cork and Galway, saying they were being "closely watched".
With that in mind, we've decided to take a look Level 3, 4 and 5 restrictions and explain what they would mean for you if implemented in your county.
What are the coronavirus alert levels?
Level 1 is the least severe, Level 5 is full lockdown mode with a raft of strict measures in place.
What is the Ireland Covid-19 alert level now?
The entire country started out on Level 2 but Dublin was immediately hit with extra restrictions, leading its category to be dubbed "Level 2 and a Half."
This was quickly increased to "Level 3 (and a Half)" only last Friday.
The rest of the country remains at Level 2.
What is Level 3?
It is a big step up from Level 2.
Visitors will be banned from nursing and care homes except for compassionate reasons, and even then, they'll only be allowed in with full protective equipment.
Six visitors from one other household can visit in an outdoor setting.
Pubs and restaurants can only serve customers in an outdoor setting.
Some businesses will be shut or have to limit their operations.
This will affect the hospitality industry.
People will be asked to work from home and travel will be recommended only for essential reasons.
There'll be stiffer curbs on indoor and outdoor events as well.
What is Level 4?
Should the county’s level be increased once again to Level 4, the following restrictions will further restrict Irish people's movements.
Household visits will be banned as will trips to most institutions.
Indoor gatherings will be banned, sports will take place without any spectators.
There could also be travel restrictions - people would be asked to stay within the area or county where there is a Level 4 status.
Schools and colleges will stay open but subject to restrictions.
What is Level 5?
If this came back, it would be the same as what happened in March and April where travel was restricted to 5km of home, no travel to work and no indoor or outdoor gatherings.
Who decided on the Irish alert level?
The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) will advise on county-specific measures.
They advice the government who then have the final say.
What is the alert level actually used for?
The alert level is designed to communicate the current level of risk clearly to the public.
What does the government say now?
Micheal Martin warned on Thursday that there is an "absolute need" for people to reduce the number of people they are in contact with.
He said: "The next 10 days will be critical. We are aware of counties like Donegal and Louth and others where the numbers are going in the wrong direction.
"I have been speaking to the CMO (chief medical officer Ronan Glynn) and we are concerned about large urban areas, and cities in particular including Waterford, Limerick, Cork and Galway.
"The situation for those cities are critical over the next 10 days and behaviour has to change, quite frankly.
"People will have to reduce their social contacts in those locations, the numbers are going up too quickly.
"It's imperative that action is taken now both collectively and as individuals and in those locations to get the numbers down."
He also raised concerns about the 18 to 34 age bracket, as many students return to third-level colleges over the coming weeks.
