Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said Irish tourists could fly to some countries for holidays later this summer.
Air bridges are being discussed across Europe and The Taoiseach has spoken about the possibility of the same with Ireland.
Irish tourists could be allowed fly "point to point" to places with similar coronavirus records to here in Ireland.
Mr Varadkar quoted Greece and Portugal as two countries that could welcome Irish tourists - although places like Spain and Italy with much worse Covid records are unlikely to be included.
And the Taoiseach hopes this air travel will resume later this year and maybe even later in the summer.
Speaking to Pat Kenny on Virgin Media One, Mr Varadkar said: "In terms of air travel, that's a bit away yet. The 14 day rule for people coming into the country remains.
"The position we would like to get to, later in the year, hopefully later in the summer, is being able to travel point to point between Ireland and other countries where the virus is successfully suppressed like Portugal as you mentioned and maybe Greece.
"That's now being coordinated on a European wide level which I think is the best way forward."
But with hotels, restaurants and bars set to reopen in late June, the Taoiseach is hopeful people will holiday at home this summer.
Mr Varadkar added: "There is the possibility that there will still be a tourist season for July and August.
"There will be a lot of Government support for domestic tourism to get up and running again in July and August."
