Ireland to address tourism and international travel
However, Ireland’s Prime Minister Michael Martin also addressed tourism and international travel. As reported by Sky News, Martin said he hopes to see aviation and tourism getting back into business, but not until the summer. In a statement, Martin’s office said “higher-risk activities” such as tourism and aviation will only be considered at the end of June for later this year.
The country might appear to be ultra-conservative over its choices, but for good reason. Ireland already has one of the lowest coronavirus infection rates in Europe. However, Ireland noted in December 2020 that a relaxation of restrictions let to a huge spike in COVID-19 infections.
However, Ireland also understands the economic power of tourism. Leo Varadkar, the Deputy Prime Minister, said Ireland may need to consider free travel between the UK and Ireland first before opening up to wider international travel.
What will Ireland do first?
What Ireland must do first, before opening up its gorgeous landscapes, cities, pubs and restaurants to tourists, it must first open up its infrastructure to its citizens. Plans are to start making this happen during the first two weeks of May. This will include reopening hairdressers, beauticians and barbers to customers on an appointment basis only.
Museums, art galleries and libraries will reopen, while retail stores will be able to open their doors from May 17. Hotels, hostels, bed & breakfasts and holiday rentals will be able to reopen on June 2. Meanwhile, restaurants and bars will be able to open outside on June 7 for groups of up to six customers. Gradually, locals will be able to travel between different counties.
The number of people that can meet outdoors for social or recreational purposes will increase, including in private gardens. This will allow for a maximum of three households, or six people from any number of households. However, the limit of six people does not include children aged 12 or younger.
When it comes to meeting indoors, fully vaccinated people can meet with other fully vaccinated people, but still keeping a limit of three households present. Those who are vaccinated can meet with unvaccinated people from the same household indoors, as long as they are not at risk of severe illness. However, again, this is limited to no more than three households.
What does Ireland offer when tourists can return?
Ireland is renowned for its green and beautiful scenery, including Connemara, the majestic Mourne Mountain and the dramatic vistas of Donegal. The counties of Kerry and Cork also offer world-famous scenery.
Besides beautiful vistas, Ireland is brimming with history, including the breathtaking monuments of prehistoric Ireland at Slea Head in Kerry, Brú na Bóinne and Carrowmore in Sligo. Fabulous ruins can be seen of the monastic past of Ireland at Clonmacnoise, Cashel and Glendalough. Visitors can experience more recent history at the Titanic Experience in Cobh and the forbidding Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin.
Naturally, the open nature of the Irish is welcoming and friendly. Locals will always be more than happy to introduce visitors to the splendors of the towns, cities and landscapes.
Hopefully, there will be news of Ireland once again welcoming international visitors to its shores at the end of June 2021.
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