As restrictions and fear around COVID-19 begin to ease and vacation deals begin to appear you may be wondering if now is a good time to book a fall vacation in Ireland.

2020 Fall Vacation in Ireland Advice

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(1:47) Ireland's 5 Stages of ‘ReOpening'

Phase 1 – May 18

The 2 km lockdown will extend to 5 km. People are allowed to meet with others outdoors. Outdoor workers and retailers who are primarily outdoors can reopen. Some outdoor amenities.

Phase 2 – June 8

Visits to other households allowed. Small retail and marts can be opened if social distancing can be observed. Public libraries can reopen. Plan development to open other businesses.

Phase 3 – June 29

Allows small social gathering and a return to work for those with low interaction jobs. Non-essential retail with street level entrance/ exits can reopen. Playgrounds will reopen.

Phase 4 – July 20

Childcare and pre-schools reopen as people are allowed to return to work. Higher risk services (like hairdressers, massage, etc) restrictions ease. Hotels, museums, churches, can reopen.

Phase 5 – August 10

Larger social gatherings can take place as all sectors return to work. High risk retail restrictions ease. This is when pubs are expected to be allowed to open.

Phases 4 and 5 have the most impact on your trip to Ireland. And any increase in COVID case numbers will bring the reopening plans to a stand still…

You can see the full ‘Roadmap for Recovery' here.

Northern Ireland has a very similar plan, but does not list specific dates. The lockdown has been extended to May 28 (release day of this podcast).

(4:20) 14 Day Quarantine Period

Currently Ireland has a mandatory 14 day quarantine in place for anyone arriving in the country. This is in place through June 18 and will be re-evaluated at that time.

The Irish Tourism Industry Confederation is calling for this to be relaxed as soon as possible, subject to public health and safety.

Other European countries, including Greece and Spain, have recently relaxed quarantine measures and will be welcoming international visitors beginning mid-June and July.

(6:10) Public Health Passenger Locator Form

Anyone arriving from overseas will be required to fill out this form on arrival in Irelan...