Soaring Covid cases saw Christmas and New Year's celebrations across the country dampened by restrictions.
Nightclubs shut and pubs were forced to close at 8pm as the Omicron variant spread like wildfire around the world.
Under the stricter measures, events, including gigs, concerts and sporting events can only reach 50% capacity and face coverings must be worn at all times except when eating or drinking.
Along with this, the digital Covid cert will be required for gyms, leisure centres and hotel bars and restaurants.
But when will the restrictions end? According to government, the current rules will remain in place until January 30.
A further 17,071 cases of Covid-19 were reported on Sunday, with more than 120,000 infections confirmed since Christmas Day.
Despite the Omicron surge, Environment Minister Eamon Ryan said he expects schools, colleges and creches to reopen as normal on Thursday.
Top medic Luke O'Neill also shared his positive outlook as he now believes we are winning the fight against Covid.
The Irish immunologist, who believes we will see a return to normal life this year, said: “By the time we get to March and April, it will be a different story entirely – watch.”
“We will be able to live with it, because of all these various strategies.
“New anti-viral treatments will be approved in February and that will be a huge weapon.
“We know a lot about this virus now – for heaven’s sake, it’s been almost two years. We have a heavily vaccinated population, which is brilliant, with a strong booster to sustain protection.
“When you put it all together, by the time we get to St Patrick’s Day, the virus will have gone away almost from Ireland, it will seem to be in the background.”
