Sunday marks the last hurrah for hospitality venues as they enjoy their final night of midnight closing times.
From Monday, December 20, all restaurants, bars and cafes must shut at 8pm.
It also also applies to hotel restaurants and bars, except for overnight residents.
Takeaway and delivery services are exempt from the new rules.
The 8pm curfew also applies to indoor events, such as cinemas and concerts, which will also be limited to 50% capacity or 1,000 attendees - whichever is lower.
The time limit doesn’t apply to outdoor events, which are also limited to 50% capacity or 5,000 attendees - whichever is lower.
Religious, educational and normal workplace business activity and events are exempt from the 8pm closing time.
Wedding receptions can continue after 8pm, but a closing time of midnight will still apply and only 100 guests are allowed.
The new restrictions also include changes to rules for close contacts of confirmed Covid-19 cases.
For those who have received a booster one week ago, they will have to restrict movement for five days and take three antigen tests.
For people who have not received a booster, they will have to restrict their movement for 10 days.
The Government announced tougher Covid-19 restrictions for Ireland in a bid to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Announcing the restrictions in an address to the nation on Friday night, the Taoiseach said: “None of this is easy.”
“We are all exhausted with Covid and the restrictions it requires.
“The twists and turns, the disappointments and the frustrations take a heavy toll on everyone.
“But it is the reality that we are dealing with.
“We cannot wish it away, and there is no silver bullet to fix it,” he said.
