With the country on track to move ahead with the easing of Covid-19 restrictions, people nationwide are looking forward to enjoying the activities we once took for granted.
This week saw non-essential retail stores open their doors once again, welcoming back the public after months of closures due to the lockdown.
Hairdressers and barbers had welcomed customers again the previous week.
The next major sector set to reopen is outdoor hospitality with pubs, restaurants and hotels all set reopen in early June.
However, many people are all clamouring for the return of other indoor activities, with cinemas on the top of the list for many.
Under current government guidelines, preparation for the safe reopening of cinemas and theatres in June is in place subject to public health advice.
While no set date has been given for the return of cinemas in Ireland, we don't have to look too far to get an idea of what things will look like once they reopen.
Vue
Currently Vue cinemas are open in England in Wales with locations set to open in Ireland and Scotland later.
And while the cinema is set to welcome customers back there will be a number of safety measures in place
A statement on the website reads: "Between August and December 2020, we safely welcomed back over 2m million customers to cinemas across the UK and Ireland.
"We remain confident that we provide safe and controlled ways for you to enjoy much-needed out of home entertainment. We continue to follow public health advice and the safety of our team and customers remains of utmost importance.
"Our venues in Glasgow as well as in the Republic of Ireland will remain closed for now and we plan to open them in line with local government guidance.
"We planned extensively for our reopening last year and have continued to work with authorities to implement wide-reaching new safety measures across our venues."
The following safety protocols will remain in place when you visit for hours of uninterrupted bliss.
- Enhanced online booking
- Physically distanced seating
- Face masks must be work unless eating and drinking
- Reduced touch points
- Enhanced cleaning
Cineworld
Cineworld has already reopened a number of locations in the UK and intends on doing the same here once they can.
A statement on the website reads: "The health and wellbeing of our staff and customers have always been our top priority during this difficult time, and we can assure you that we will be ready to re-open our cinemas with the same safety levels you have already seen, while maintaining the great experience that you are used to getting from us."
The current measures in place in the UK which will likely be the same here will see customers required wear a face mask at all times (unless they are eating or drinking), and physically distanced seating to ensure there is space between different households.
Film start and end times will be staggered, and contactless payments are encouraged.
High touch points, like door handles and arm rests, will be frequently sanitised, and perspex screens will be erected in areas where social distancing is difficult to maintain.
Odeon
Odeon has 11 locations all across Ireland and have already reopened in the UK.
Social distancing will be in place, with physically distanced seating.
Film start times will be staggered, to prevent crowds and queues gathering in foyers, and only pre-packaged food and drinks will be on sale. Cash will not be accepted.
Customers are encouraged to book tickets online where possible, to reduce contact with staff.
Face coverings are required in ODEON cinemas, but once customers are in their seats they can remove these to enjoy food and drinks.
IMC
IMC cinemas across Ireland are also putting in safety measures for when they do reopen to customers once again.
The chain is encouraging pre-booking cinema tickets while only accepting card payment.
Physical distanced seating will also be in place while there will be regular sanitisation stations on location.
Omniplex
Omniplex is Ireland's largest cinema chain with with 18 sites across Ireland and 15 in Northern Ireland.
In a statement Omniplex said: "We have worked hard over the past 14 months to ensure all of our customers enjoy a safe cinema trip. We're very excited to reopen our cinemas to the public and welcome our moviegoers back to the magic of cinema.
Some of the safety measures they have in place are:
- All tickets must be purchased online in advance of visiting the cinema.
- The system will automatically restrict each booking to a maximum number of 6 guests in a group and add empty seats around your group to facilitate social distancing.
- All customers are required to wear a face-covering during their visit, although once seated you are able to remove this to consume food and drink.
- Enhanced cleaning and employee protection, including PPE.
- Reduced number of touchpoints.
- Hand sanitizing stations placed throughout the cinema.
