It’s been a long haul.

If life in Covid-19 lockdown has taught us one thing, it’s that the saying is true: Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realise they were the big things.

With further restrictions likely after the next deadline expires on May 5th, most of us are dreaming of a time when we can hug our mums, meet mates for pints and get back to work without worrying about facilitating the spread of a deadly virus.

While we wait for those days to come, we asked Yay Cork readers to share the things they are most looking forward to doing once the Covid-19 restrictions are eventually lifted.

These were the top five things people are missing most:

1. HUGS

By far the most popular answer to our question, real human contact is the one thing that our readers are missing more than anything else. “When all this is over I’m going to hug my sister and bawl like a baby because I miss her so much.” one reader confided.

“I haven’t had a hug in six weeks,” said Eoin, who is isolating alone in West Cork. “I didn’t know how much I would miss that.”

2. FAMILY TIME

In many families, the lifting of restrictions will mean the first introduction to a brand new member of the family.

“The first thing I’m going to do after lockdown is bring my new baby to meet his grandparents,” Katie told us.

Catch-ups with grandparents, afternoon tea with mums and chats with dads and grandads are all high on the agenda for when it’s safe to meet up again.

“When all this is over I will honestly appreciate the opportunity to spend time with family and friends more.” said Ray.

3. PARTNERS

While quarantining together has been a make or break challenge for many couples, the Covid-19 restrictions have meant many people have been separated from their soulmate for months.

“The first thing I’m going to do is shift the face off my boyfriend!” one reader told us.

“My girlfriend is a nurse in the UK. I can’t be there to support her and it’s been a very scary time,” said Caen. “When all this is over we’ve decided never to live apart again.”

“I’m going to hug my girlfriend like she’s never been hugged before,” said Shaun.

4. OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

“I’m going to drive to the sea and jump straight in the water.”

The 2km travel restrictions have city folk pining for strolls on the beach and salty sea air. A swim in the ocean followed by fish and chips for dinner was one of the top treats quarantined readers in Cork were looking forward to.

There’s only so many times you can traverse your local park without getting bored so being able to go for interesting walks in new locations will be a relief to many.

“When all this is over I’m going to go on a really long hike.” said one reader. “I’m sick of being stuck in the city with no way of leaving.”

5. FOOD (AND DRINKS)

“I’m going to drink all the pints and hug all the pals.” said one reader, speaking for us all, really.

If you’re bored of banana bread and you can’t face another trendy Dalgona coffee, you’re not alone. Everyone’s craving a long boozy brunch with friends, an epic dinner in a fancy restaurant and a decent beer served in an actual beer garden.

A creamy pint of Beamish, an espresso martini in Impala and a frosty Chieftan in the Fran Well were just a handful of the drinks Yay Cork readers are looking forward to.