People still waiting on their EU Digital Covid Cert will be able to dine indoors using their HSE given vaccine card.
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar confirmed on Thursday that the paper cards, which also contain a bar code, can be used to enter pubs and restaurants right across the country.
However, if you are without an EU Digital Covid Cert or the paper proof of your vaccine, you won't be granted access to an indoor establishment.
The August bank holiday marks the first weekend of indoor dining with businesses countrywide hoping to make up for lost time.
The rules to follow if dining indoors this weekend
Customers must present their Digital Covid Cert or HSE vaccination card upon arrival along with a valid form of photo ID. Children don’t need proof of vaccination when accompanied by a parent/guardian and door staff will be present on all doors of the premises.
Last orders will be 11.30 pm and no time limit will be enforced on tables.
The last-minute change on contact tracing means that only the lead customer’s name and phone number will be taken.
Elsewhere, masks must be worn whenever you’re not seated at your table, there's no bar service and mingling at tables is not allowed.
Speaking with the Irish Mirror, Padraig Cribben, Chief Executive of the Vintners' Federation of Ireland, has said that while the mood is extremely good in pubs around Ireland, it's still too early to tell what impact the new rules have had.
"It is very early to call. Many were waiting to see the guidelines and regulations and, as you will be aware, they only arrived mid-morning. It will be later in the week before there is meaningful feedback.
"Those that we have been talking to were absolutely thrilled to see old faces back and many regulars were delighted to re-engage. Old friends reunited. We will see a lot more of that in the coming days and weeks," he said.
