However, wet pubs could stay closed for the rest of the year.
The Tanaiste is hoping people will be able to visit their family and friends for the two weeks around Christmas.
The National Public Health Emergency Team has been meeting today to give its recommendations on how to exit Level 5. However, the decision is ultimately up to the Government as Ministers consider allowing up to three separate households to gather over Christmas.
Leo Varadkar says they hope to relax restrictions more over Christmas before tightening the rules again. He also confirmed retail, gyms, and hairdressers will reopen first saying it’ll be hair-cuts and shopping before nights out.
Hotels , restaurants and bars that serve food are expected to follow later but wet pubs could stay closed for the rest of the year.
He says the final call won’t be made until the end of the week:
A Government announcement about exiting Level 5 is expected to be made on Friday evening at around 6pm.
