Dr Tony Holohan has urged people to consider cancelling any foreign holiday plans in the coming months.
The Chief Medical Officer was speaking after 24 new coronavirus cases were recorded on Monday, something he described as a "worrying trend."
Despite Ireland not having any new deaths, Mr Holohan is concerned at the clear rise in new cases in recent days.
And when asked if people should consider cancelling foreign holidays, Dr Holohan expressed his fears over the virus being 're-imported' back into the country.
He said: "We’d like people not to travel, yes.
“It makes much more sense to not go ahead with that booking and to risk travelling abroad, picking up this infection, risk for you, for any family member you be travelling with or indeed any close contacts you have.
"I think that would be not just in your individual interest but in our collective interest.”
Ireland had effectively suppressed the virus but new clusters and increasing cases have worried the Chief Medical Officer.
Speaking about the recent spike, he added: “We are starting to see a worrying trend, with the number of reported cases increasing, and some new clusters.
“As restrictions are lifted and people move about more, it’s important that we use the tools that have helped us suppress the virus to date.
“Hand washing, physical distancing, cough/sneeze hygiene and wearing face coverings are important personal behaviours that mean, as we go about our daily lives, that we are doing everything we can to avoid contracting the virus and spreading it to those we love.”
