Irish pubs update: All that's set to change on October 22 and one key rule finally dropped

Drinking at the bar is just 22 days away as Ireland is to finally fully reopen later this month.

Almost all Covid restrictions will end on October 22 with the return of nightclubs, the end of social distancing and as close to normal as the country has seen in 18 months.

One of the most welcome changes will be a trip to the pub like pre-pandemic with people allowed drink at the bar and mingle with other tables.

Speaking in the Dail on Thursday, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar reconfirmed that the Government is to lift all legal restrictions on October 22 including rules on the hospitality sector.

He said: “On the 22nd of October we are going to remove almost all legal restrictions in this State that were introduced as a consequence of the pandemic.

“There will be no social distancing required.

Outdoor dining on Wicklow Street, Dublin. (Gareth Chaney/Collins)

“Hospitality venues will be able to return to the capacity they had pre-pandemic.

“People will be able to order a drink at a bar.

“And in that context it is hard to justify the continuing restrictions on partners attending visits with their pregnant partners.”