Wet pubs nationwide except Dublin have reopened today, six months after thousands of publicans closed their doors.
It's a case of fourth time lucky for the reopening of non-food pubs in Ireland, following mooted dates of July 20, August 10 and August 31 for the full reopening.
Many of the pubs were closed since March to the public but are now back open in 25 out of 26 counties in the Republic.
We put together some of the reaction to the pubs being back open.
Joy for rural pubs
Dick Mac's pub said: "Back in business from 12pm.
"Goodluck to all pubs reopening today! Hats off to those who opened already and ran such a good show showing that the pub trade is a responsible and innovative sector.
"To our friends in Dublin - hang in there!"
Lourdes in Achill, Co Mayo posted on Twitter: "After 190 days closed we're ready to open this evening. Please abide by the public health guidelines. Thank you. "
Geoffs Bar in Castlemagner, posted : "We’re ready. See you tomorrow. Safety first."
JJ Bowles pub in Limerick posted: "We're delighted to again be open from 5pm tomorrow and are looking forward to serving Limerick's finest pints with the best view of any pub in Ireland!"
The Shamrock in Donegal said: "Welcome back to the Shamrock Monday 21st of Sept We are keen to OPEN our doors safely as per Government & Fáilte Ireland guidelines, a few changes! Open daily from 12, 10.30 Fri ,Sanitisers throughout ,Tables @ 2 metres, signage through the Pub,Contact details take."
A huge boost for publicans
Padraig Cribben, Chief Executive of VFI, said the reopening of pubs is a huge boost for publicans, their families and their communities.
And he urged everyone to remain vigilant as the virus remains with us.
Mr Cribben said: “The reopening of pubs is a good news story, particularly for publicans, their families and staff who have been out of work for six months.
“It’s hard to believe now that when pubs closed on 15th March we were worried about a two-week shutdown. It’s a tribute to our members that they made it to this point.
“This is also great news for our customers, particularly in rural areas, who can now come together in a safe, socially distanced, controlled environment. The mental health benefits this opportunity will offer people are enormous.
“For all the good news, we are reopening at a time of uncertainty and it’s vital all publicans and staff ensure that social distancing measures are enforced. We must all work together to beat the virus.”
