Pubs, restaurants and gyms reopen in Republic of Ireland

Outdoor hospitality has reopened in the Republic of Ireland.

It is the latest phase in the planned reopening of Ireland's society and economy over the summer.

The guidelines stipulate that a pub or restaurant can reopen so long as it has an outdoor area in which to serve customers.

A distance of one metre is required between tables outdoors, with a maximum of six people aged over 13 at a table, or 15 if the group includes children.

"Things are looking bright," said Ronan Doherty, who runs a pub in Malin Head, County Donegal.

"Everyone is in very positive form, everyone is just glad to be out," he told BBC's Evening Extra.

Glasses were laid out at the Aimsir restaurant in Celbridge, County Kildare, in preparation for its reopening

"Everyone is very grateful that the weather is good and that you can go out again. It is great to get some sort of normality back."

Taoiseach Micheál Martin said it was a "very significant day" for the hospitality sector.

"It illustrates the continuing progress we're making in reopening our society and our economy, bringing thousands of people back to work," he said, in a video posted on Twitter.

'People were afraid to come out'

Speaking to BBC News NI ahead of the reopening, County Donegal pub owner Kevin Cavanagh said there was a sense of excitement in the town of Greencastle, where his business is based.

"It's like the run up to Christmas, but warmer," he said.

Mr Cavanagh said some neighbours and friends in the village are planning to meet up for the first time in over a year.

"People were afraid to come out for so long, and now they've had their jab they feel safer and are just really looking forward to having a pint together again."

Donegal pub owner Kevin Cavanagh is keen to get back to business

Mr Cavanagh and his wife, who are in their thirties, have not yet had their vaccination, but he feels safe working outside.

"We did this last year with a strict one-way system, sanitising and social distancing and track and trace. People were really good about it and we had no cases, not a single one.

"People here look out for each other and I know they'll be the same this time too. Hopefully we'll get our jab in a month or so - sooner the better."

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Cinemas, gyms and pools have also reopened in the Republic of Ireland on Monday.

There are limits set on how many can sit in each cinema theatre and only individual training and swimming will be permitted at gyms, pools and leisure centres. However, one-to-one swimming lessons are allowed.

The reopening comes after Gardaí (Irish police) arrested 19 people in Dublin after officers were attacked for a second night, with police saying the majority of people on the streets had socialised responsibly.

Home visiting and small weddings

Indoor visiting between homes has also relaxed - one other household is allowed to visit indoors, regardless of vaccination status.

In terms of weddings, a couple can have up to 25 guests at their reception.

Last Wednesday, hotels and guesthouses in the Republic of Ireland reopened for the first time since December.

On 5 July, in the Republic of Ireland, bars and restaurants will be able to serve customers indoors again.

International travel will resume on 19 July through the EU Digital Covid Certificate.

From 5 August, there will be a further increase in the number of people allowed to attend both indoor and outdoor events, including 100 guests at weddings.