Taoiseach Micheal Martin has announced the lifting of most of Ireland's Covid rules in an address to the nation.
Mr Martin hailed today as "a good day" as he revealed that the majority of restrictions will be removed as the county moves towards a return to normality.
From 6am on Saturday, the measures in place for pubs, restaurants and nightclubs will be abolished with businesses resuming normal trading hours.
The 8pm curfew will no longer apply, while nightclubs will reopen their doors to the public from Saturday.
Hospitality businesses will no longer have to ask customers for contract tracing details and the rule to have six people at a table will also be abolished.
The Covid pass system for access to these premises has also been lifted.
Mr Martin also announced that the limitations on gatherings and social distancing rules will also be lifted from Saturday.
All indoor and outdoor events will also resume to full capacity paving the way for full attendance for major sporting fixtures this weekend.
Thousands of employees working remotely can expect to return to offices imminently after the Taoiseach announced the phased return to workplaces from Monday.
However, not all rules have been lifted, with certain public health measures to continue.
The rules on self-isolation and close contacts stay in place, with these set to be reassessed before the end of February.
The Digital Covid Cert for international travel will still be required for Irish holidaymakers.
Additionally, mask-wearing rules will also be in place for the foreseeable, with face coverings compulsory on public transport and in shops and other settings until the end of February.
Mr Martin's announcement came NPHET gave Cabinet the green light for the immediate easing of most Covid rules.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan advised on Thursday that the Government can remove restrictions on the hospitality industry including the 8pm curfew and the use of Covid passes.
NPHET also gave their approval to leaders on the return of full capacity at outdoor and indoor events, no limit on household visits and the reopening of nightclubs.
In his letter to Health Minister Stephen Donnelly, Dr Holohan also said the Government could end the two metre social distancing rule and that working from home can end on a phased basis.
There was some surprise within Government that NPHET has gone beyond what was expected.
Cabinet met at 3pm on Friday to consider NPHET's recommendations and subsequently signed off on the plans announced by the Taoiseach on Friday evening.
