This is when you will be able to go to a caravan and enjoy a pint in a bar in Donegal again - and it's sooner than originally thought

In recent weeks it had been reported that pubs would not be permitted to reopen until August at the very earliest.

However, on Friday, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, reduced the five phases designed to lead the Republic of Ireland out of lockdown down to four.

The announcement set out how the South will begin to implement phase two of the lockdown exit plan next week.

Mr. Varadkar announced that groups of up to six people can meet up indoors from Monday onward.

People will also be allowed to travel to anywhere in their county or 20 miles from their home (whichever is the furthest distance).

It is anticipated that the government in South will be in a position to reopen caravan parks, hotels, restaurants and bars that also operate as a restaurant on June 29.

Places of worship are also set to reopen on June 29.

Under Phase 2, from Monday June 8, the following changes will come into effect:

- you can travel within your own county, or up to 20 kilometres from your home, whichever is greater. These travel limits will be lifted from the end of June

- groups of up to 6 people will be able to interact with each other indoors or outdoors, once they keep at least 2 metres apart. Groups of up to 15 will be able to meet for outdoor sporting activities

- for those who are over 70 or medically vulnerable, it will be possible to welcome a small number of visitors into your home, with physical distancing observed

- shops will also provide dedicated hours for those who are over 70 or in an at risk group

- all retail stores can reopen, but opening times will be staggered to relieve pressure on public transport. You are encouraged to shop locally, shop safely and support businesses in your community

- up to 25 people will be allowed to attend funerals of loved ones

- public libraries will commence reopening

- playgrounds can reopen from Monday, and outdoor camps for children can also be run, once there are no more than 15 people involved

- certain types of elite sports training will also be possible

- more people will be able to return to work, including all those who work on their own or whose work can be done safely while staying 2 metres apart from others. Working from home should remain the norm for those who can do so

- marts can reopen and greyhound racing can resume without spectators