Gardaí could be given extra powers to enforce public health guidelines, the Government has said.
It comes after a range of new restrictions were announced due to increased spread of COVID-19 - including 190 new cases confirmed today.
The rules will be in place until September 13th.
People are being asked to work from home wherever possible.
The Taoiseach said visits to homes should now be limited to six people from no more than three households, while outdoor gatherings will be limited to 15 people.
Restaurants, cafés and pubs operating as restaurants can remain open, but there will be a mandatory closing time of 11:30pm.
All sporting events will now be played behind closed doors, after up to 200 people were previously allowed attend.
Meanwhile, people are being advised to wear masks if sharing a car with someone not from same household.
Anyone using public transport should continue to wear masks, although people are again being encouraged to avoid public transport where possible.
Over 70s are being encouraged to limit their social interactions to a small group of people, and to only shop during designated hours in supermarkets.
Officials are looking into the prospect of new legislation to give gardaí greater powers to enforce the rules.
The Government agreed to the new measures in response to the recent spike in new cases of COVID-19, with hundreds of extra cases confirmed in the country over the past week.
'Harsh reality'
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the "harsh reality" is that recent trends with the virus are very serious.
He said the need for fresh restrictions is not just about "the appalling behaviour" seen in one Dublin bar, but that a lot of people appear willing to take more risks.
He said: "Many people seem to believe that if they or those they are socialising with have no symptoms, there is no problem.
"The fact is that a person can spread the virus without ever showing any symptoms.
"We have agreed to introduce a number of changes in current guidance and regulations following advice from NPHET: we are significantly tightening key restrictions for the next three and a half weeks."
He said the virus is spreading across a range of settings, so the restrictions announced today will impact most people.
