Today will see the further lifting of Covid-19 restrictions with inter-county travel and in-person religious services among the activities that will resume.
In the most substantial easing of restrictions so far this year a range of social and economic activity will resume.
Galleries, museums, libraries and other cultural attractions will reopen and public transport will operate at 50% capacity.
A maximum of three households, or up to six people from individual households, can meet outdoors, including in private gardens.
Adults in pods of up to 15 people will also be permitted to attend training.
Travel will now be permitted between all counties.
Fully vaccinated people can meet other fully vaccinated people indoors and without masks with no more than three households present.
Today will also see the phased reopening of non-essential retail with click and collect and in-store shopping by appointment.
Personal services such as hairdressers, barbers and beauticians can also open after more than five months closed.
In-person religious services can resume. There will a limit of 50 mourners at a funeral.
While 50 guests can attend a wedding ceremony there is a limit of six people for indoor receptions and 15 outdoors.
Up to 15 people will also be able to attend other organised outdoor gatherings and adults can train together again in pods of to 15.
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Meanwhile, 12,000 businesses are expected to reopen their premises this week.
However, the Government has said people should continue to work from home where possible and public health officials have urged business owners, employees and customers to take great care.
Tánaiste Leo Varadkar has described it as a significant week for business.
“This has been the longest lockdown since the pandemic began. I am determined to do all we can to ensure that it is the last,” he said.
However, Mr Varadkar added that where possible, people should continue to work from home.
“The virus is still circulating, and around two thirds of the adult population have yet to receive the vaccine,” the Tánaiste said.
“Mixing in the workplace can allow the virus to spread, so we all need to continue playing our part in defeating this cruel virus.”
Government supports are to remain in place until at least the end of June to help businesses that are reopening to get back trading again, and to provide ongoing assistance to those that remain closed.
Additional reporting Will Goodbody
