A three-stage reopening of the country will begin next week, the Taoiseach has confirmed.
It comes after nearly six weeks of level five coronavirus restrictions.
The Government has also issued new advice that masks should be worn outside on busy streets.
Retail, churches, hairdressers and cultural institutions will be among the first to reopen, followed by restaurants and gastropubs a few days later.
There'll then be a further easing of restrictions for the Christmas period, where people will be allowed travel across county borders and meet with other households.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said this year will not allow for the Christmas we are all used to, but it will be a 'special time'.
He said the country will be moving to level three 'with some modifications'.
However, he said there's no evidence supporting a reopening of 'wet pubs' for now - saying the reality is that reopening indoor hospitality carries risks, and there's only so far the Government can safely go.
Mr Martin said people should now also wear masks outdoors on busy streets, crowded indoor workplaces and places of worship.
He said the Government is confident the measures strike a 'safe balance'.
Easing of restrictions
Shops, places of worship, gyms, hairdressers, barbers, museums and cinemas will be allowed open from next Tuesday, December 1st.
Restaurants and gastropubs will be able reopen for indoor dining from next December 4th, but pubs which don't serve food will remain closed during December.
Pubs which serve food will need to have an on-site kitchen to be able to reopen.
Hotels can open to guests on Tuesday, but if you're not a guest and want to eat at the restaurant of that hotel that will have to wait until Friday.
People will be allowed to travel within their county from next week, but inter-county travel will remain restricted.
Those restrictions will be eased for the Christmas period, starting from December 18th and lasting until January 6th.
People will be able to travel between different counties, with up to three households able to meet.
From January 7th, restrictions will revert back to those in place during December - subject to a review of the trajectory of coronavirus.
However, Christmas gatherings will come with some public health guidelines.
It's being recommended that people not hug or shake hands with their guests.
Whoever is cooking Christmas dinner will also be told to wear a facemask while preparing and serving food.
People are being told if they intend to have gatherings at Christmas to limit their contacts from now.
