Hotel and B&B owners say it's "a great day" as they prepare to reopen for the first time in five months.
Accommodation services - including hotels, B&Bs, self-catering and hostels - now have the green light to reopen, just in time for the June bank holiday weekend.
Their leisure facilities, indoor restaurant and bar services can also reopen but will be limited to guests or residents.
It comes amid a gradual easing of restrictions on the hospitality and tourism sector, and ahead of the planned return of outdoor dining for pubs, restaurants and cafés from Monday.
Last night it was fantastic to be able to sign the new regulations for hotels and other accommodation to open their doors today.
The very best of luck to all those involved in opening back up today.
In just 5 days we’re moving on to restaurants & pubs. pic.twitter.com/Vf5XRWoyPU— Stephen Donnelly (@DonnellyStephen) June 2, 2021
Kevin Dundon - the well-known Irish chef and owner of Dunbrody House in Co Wexford - spoke to Newstalk Breakfast.
He said: “It’s so exciting down there - it’s been a hive of activity getting Dunbrody ready again.
“It’s fantastic, and it’s been a long wait.
"It’s quite depressing to see your hotel boarded up for five months. But it’s a beautiful day down here in Wexford today.
Dunbrody is unique in a sense that there’s lots of space here… people feel very safe, and there’s very strong distancing.”
Kevin said there's always some availability in terms of rooms, but bookings have been “very strong”.
He added that all the hotel’s staff members have returned to work, with the exception of one bartender who has changed careers.
Meanwhile, Susan Daly of Daly’s House B&B in Doolin said they're really looking forward to reopening.
She said: "We’re hoping and praying the weather will hold. We’re all set to welcome our guests back.
“A lot of Irish people have booked with us… slowly now the American market is coming back, but it looks like it will probably be August, September, October. But our Irish guests are coming, and we’re so looking forward to taking care of them.”
Susan said things are looking "way better” compared to last year, with more certainty for accommodation providers and guests alike.
She added: “I think we have to be optimistic. It’s summertime, things are looking really well in Doolin, and all the businesses are opening up.”
