Ready to hit the open road?

A raft of Covid-19 restrictions are lifted today, opening up intercounty travel for the first time in 2021.

There’s also good news for those staying at home; dust off the patio furniture because according to the changes that come into effect this morning, you can have visitors from a maximum of three households or six people from any number of households over to your garden.

The odd garden get-together should tide us over until outdoor services can resume (for groups of six or less) on June 7th.

If you are vaccinated you are free to visit indoors.

Here’s a quick guide to all the changes coming into effect today:

• Travel: You can travel between counties in Ireland
• Visitors to your garden: Maximum of 3 households or 6 people from any number of households
• Vaccine bonus: If you are vaccinated – you can visit other households indoors
• Outdoor gatherings: Maximum 15 people
• Outdoor training: Maximum 15 people
• Retail: Click and collect, in-store by appointment only, and outdoor retail can recommence from May 10th.
• Personal services (hairdressers, barbers, beauticians): Can reopen for customers with appointments only
• Galleries, museums, libraries and other cultural attractions: Can reopen
• Funerals: Maximum 50 mourners at service. No other events to take place
• Weddings: Maximum 50 guests at service. Maximum 6 guests at indoor reception or 15 outdoors
• Public transport: Public transport will run at 50 percent capacity
• Property viewings: By appointment only with licensed agents.

The next big day in Ireland’s reopening plan is May 17th when all non-essential retail can open fully.