The Taoiseach has officially announced the new measures this evening.
The country will move to Level Three restrictions next Tuesday December first.
It means retail, gyms, golf courses, hairdressers, cinemas, theatres and places of worship can open.
From next Friday, restaurants and pubs that serve food will be allowed to open.
Wet pubs won't open this year but will be given additional supports.
The government has issued new advice that masks should be worn outside on busy streets.
From December 18th, travel restrictions will lift and people will be allowed to have two households visit theirs.
This will last until January 6th - however the Government says the restrictions are only advisory.
At Government Buildings, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said some restrictions are staying despite the drop down to Level Three:
Health Minister Stephen Donnelly believes Ireland is in a good place internationally:
But Anthony Staines, Professor of Health Systems at DCU, says more lockdowns are likely in the new year as a result of the easing of the restrictions:
Padraig Cribben, the chief executive of the Vintners Federation of Ireland, has criticised the decision to keep pubs that only serve alcohol closed:
These people told us what thay were looking forward to doing when restrictions ease:
Uisce Eireann Working To Repair Burst Watermains in Westmeath
Laois Councillor Outlines 'Life Changing Experience' On Humanitarian Trip
Volunteers Encourage People Across Westmeath To Hang Up County Flags
Lough Ree RNLI Issue Bank Holiday Water Safety Appeal
Laois Village Raises €170k For New Sports Amenity
Midlands Records Over 100 Homeless Children In April
Gardai Bank Holiday Operation Clocks Speeding Midlands Drivers
Irish Online Shoppers Facing Higher Customs Charges From July
Offaly Bond Holder Wins €500k
Muintir na Tíre Host Property Marking In Offaly
Gardaí Pick Up Early Midlands Speeders On June Bank Holiday Weekend
Plans In Place For Laois Housing Development
Water Network Upgrades In Laois
Ministers Burke And Dillon Announce New Employment Permits
Carlow County Council Encourages Creatives To Apply To CUBE Craft Academy In Greece
Midlands Gears Up For Vibrant June Bank Holiday Weekend
HSE Midlands Points To Care Options Ahead Of Bank Holiday
Laois TD Criticising An Coimisiún Pleanála Planning Delays
Offaly Brothers Found Not Guilty Of Attempted Murder
Midlands MEP Wants CAP Funding Boost For Young Farmers