RTE's Ryan Tubiry has spoken of the joy for Irish people as thousands of retailers have reopened their doors to customers after almost five months of closure.
Click-and-collect services and in-store shopping resumed last week as part of a phased reopening of retail but stores have not been allowed to open their doors to all customers since before New Year's Eve.
Ryan Tubridy told listeners on his RTE Radio One show this morning: "The joy that surrounds the reopening of shops and businesses today.
"The likes of people who have their own business opening up or other people were saying that it was great that they can go to shops.
"Good luck everybody, particularly if you are a business.
"People who had been used to buying things online because of circumstances can now make their presence felt in the shop and buy what they want.
"We always urge you to shop local if you can and keep it in the country.
"The social nature of it, saying hello to people and getting back into the world.
"A lot of people are dipping their toe in gently because it's been too long."
Tanaiste Leo Varadkar tweeted: "The very best of luck to all those opening their doors for the first time in a long time today. Lets stay safe & keep them open. Remember to try shop local if you can."
Retail Excellence, the organisation representing more than 2,000 retailers across the country, described the full reopening of non-essential retail as a "landmark day for the industry", especially the sector's 280,000 employees.
The Government has appealed for people to stay safe as restrictions ease.
Easing of restrictions began earlier this month when all construction was allowed to resume on May 4.
Last Monday saw the ban on inter-county travel lifted while some of the limitations on indoor and outdoor social gatherings were also eased.
Museums, galleries and libraries opened and the number of people allowed to attend religious services, including weddings and funerals, increased to 50.
Indoor wedding receptions are now capped at six people and 15 for outdoor celebrations.
As of May 10, three households, or up to six people from individual households, can meet outdoors, including in private gardens.
Vaccinated households can also meet with an unvaccinated household indoors, without masks or social distancing, provided they are not at risk of severe illness and there are no more than three households present.
A further easing of restrictions is due next month, subject to public health guidance at the time.
As of June 2, hotels, B&Bs, self-catering and hostel accommodation are due to reopen but services must be restricted to overnight guests and residents.
Outdoor dining for restaurants and bars for groups of up to six people is due to resume on June 7.
The maximum number of guests at a wedding reception is due to increase to 25.
Households will be permitted to have visitors from one other household inside their home.
Gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres are due to be permitted to have individual training, while outdoor sports matches can also be played, without spectators.
