Easing of Level 3 restrictions have now kicked into place today with relaxing of travel rules allowing people to roam around the country in the lead-up to Christmas.
And while you can now enjoy a pint or a dinner anywhere in Ireland for the time being, it looks like this luxury may last for only as little as ten days and not the nearly three weeks as expected.
It is understood that the National Public Health Emergency Team has advised the government to close pubs and restaurants again from either December 28, 29 or 30
In a letter to the government, NPHET said that household visits should be reduced to one other household as part of the new restrictions.
They also urged the government to shut down pubs and restaurants after Christmas with a decision expected from the Government when they meet next Tuesday.
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said a decision will be made on the raft of measures that will be introduced after Christmas by Tuesday.
But the Fine Gael leader denied it would be effectively a Level 5 lockdown on RTE’s Prime Time and said ‘alarming’ recent figures had meant a change was necessary.
From Friday December 18, people are allowed to travel anywhere in Ireland and three households are allowed to meet up and this is currently in place until January 6 but is set to change as stated.
The changes – which come even as public health officials warn of a "troubling" spike in case numbers – will spell a number of changes for families around the country.
They're designed to give people some licence to travel home to other counties in order to see loved ones or family members.
Here's everything you need to know about what changed from midnight:
Visitors to your home
Until now, household visits were not permitted, except to those within your support bubble. But as of today we'll be able to welcome two other households into our home.
Government and public health chiefs are urging people to be sensible when it comes to this rule, though.
Travel outside your county
This is the biggest change set to come into force today. Under the modified Level Three we've been in for December, intercounty travel has not been allowed – with people still urged to stay home where possible.
Now, though, people will be hopping on trains and in cars and heading for home ahead of Christmas.
Places of worship
There will be no change when it comes to restrictions on places of worship – with a maximum of 50 people allowed to gather for religious ceremonies.
Christmas mass this year will different than any other.
Museums, galleries and cinemas
These all opened on December 1 when restrictions first eased, and they'll be open over Christmas – unless there's some sort of reintroduction of restrictions.
For now, though, your cultural hotspots are open for business.
Restaurants
After opening on December 4, restaurants will stay serving over the Christmas – with many reporting a surge in demand as people get out and about once again.
Book in advance, is our advice.
Gastropubs
Pubs with kitchens have been serving customers – with social distancing and table service, among a number of other safety measures – for most of the month.
This will continue over the Christmas period.
Retail
Much to the relief of traders around the country, non-essential retail was allowed to resume on December 1, and shops can stay open over the Christmas.
Wet pubs
Much to the disgust of vintners, 'wet' pubs (those that don't serve food) will remain shut even as restrictions ease tomorrow.
They've been forced to stay closed for all of December even as their food-serving cousins have reopened their doors.
