While Ireland remains under strict lockdown there is hope that further easing of restrictions will happen in the coming weeks.
As the vaccine rollout continues the Government has laid out plans for some changes to restrictions for May.
Government and health officials have signalled that the country will be in a much better place by the summer.
However a cautious approach is still being taken regarding the lifting of restrictions.
The government has said that if the transmission of the virus reaches acceptable levels, the vaccination programme progresses as planned and public health advice allows a number of measures will be considered from May 4.
Here's what we can expect to reopen in May:
Non-essential retail is set to get the go ahead with stores like Penney,s River Island and Brown Thomas all set to open their doors once again.
However the government has insisted that this will be done on a phased basis. Click and collect services are likely to be the first to resume before the phase reopening of other retail.
Outdoor retail such as garden centres and nurseries are also likely to be among the first to reopen.
The government has also said that personal services such as hairdressers, barbers, and beauty salons will also open in May on a staggered basis.
Galleries, museums and libraries are all set to reopen in the month of May, while the Government has also said that places of worship will once again be permitted to open again for religious services also on a phased basis.
