Clubs in Ireland to reopen from 22nd October

Nightclubs in Ireland will be able to fully reopen from 22nd October, the Government has confirmed.

A four-stage reopening plan has been approved by the cabinet, with "high-risk activities", such as clubbing, being allowed to return as one of the final stages in the country's reopening from its COVID-19 lockdown.

A pilot nightclub event will also take place sometime this month, though details on the event are yet to be announced.

Enthusiasm for the reopening has been tempered, however, by the news that the it's dependent on the success of the country's vaccine rollout. Over 90% of over-16s will need to be fully vaccinated for the restrictions to be lifted. On Monday, 30th August, Prime Minister Micheál Martin confirmed that 88% percent of over-18s are now fully vaccinated.

As of this week, public transport in Ireland has been able to return to full capacity, and additional restrictions will be lifted from this Monday, 6th September. As of that date, venues will be able to operate at 60% capacity for those who are vaccinated, and 50% for those who are not. Live music is also allowed again at weddings, but live indoor music events still need to be fully seated.

All remaining restrictions will be lifted from 22nd October, provided the vaccine rollout stays on course. Mask-wearing in healthcare settings, indoor shops and on public transport will still be required, however, while self-isolation will stay mandatory if you develop COVID-19 symptoms.

Last month, Sunil Sharpe and the Give Us The Night campaign penned an open letter to the Irish Government calling for more support for the country's beleaguered nightlife industry.

Revisit DJ Mag's longread on the fight for the future of Irish clubbing, originally published in May, here.