Ireland will begin to reopen on a phased basis throughout the month of April, in a move that will see the 5km rule scrapped.
Instead, people will be allowed to travel freely within their own county from April 12.
People from two different households will be allowed to meet up socially outdoors from the same date, while two fully vaccinated people can hold indoor visits.
However, this is only permitted two weeks after both have received their second jab.
Taoiseach Micheal Martin addressed the nation from Government Buildings this evening, where he outlined the plan for the next few weeks.
Despite the cautious approach, he moved to offer hope to the public in for the coming months.
"We are on the final stretch of this terrible journey," he said.
"This Summer, our businesses and our public services will safely reopen. We will finally be meeting and enjoying the company of friends and family once again.
"We will be able to travel within and enjoy our beautiful country again. Jobs and livelihoods will be restored. And most importantly, the worst of this awful pandemic, will be behind us.
"Steadily, and safely, let’s get through this final phase together."
Home building construction is next on the Government's agenda, the Taoiseach said, which will resume in line with the lifting of travel restrictions. This will see some 14,000 people return to work.
Inter-county GAA training will be allowed resume from April 19. High performing athletes, approved by Sports Ireland, will also be allowed return to training.
Golf and tennis clubs have gotten the green light to reopen on April 26.
This date will also see outdoor cultural venues such as zoos return, along with outdoor training for children.
The number of mourners allowed to attend funeral will be risen from 10 to 25 from April 26.
But there wasn't much good news for pubs, restaurants or hairdressers, all of which will be remaining shut until at least the end of May - and possibly longer.
The shutters will also stay down for non-essential retail outlets for now.
Mr Martin warned that we must remain vigilant in the coming months to keep curbing the spread of Covid-19.
He said that if case numbers remain low while the Government continues to vaccinate the population, there could still be hope for a normal summer.
