The government has announced a series of pilot events to bring live music and culture back to Irish audiences.
The highlight is an outdoor music festival – proposed for Dublin’s Phoenix Park – on 26 June. Events will take place around the country, featuring a mix of live music, comedy and other concerts. Numbers and locations will vary across counties and venues and the preparation of guidance for managing the events is under way.
Minister Martin also secured agreement that from 7 June all cinemas, including drive-in venues and theatres can reopen. The Minister also announced that thousands of pubs are set to benefit from a new outdoor service grant of approximately €4,000 which will enhance European-style outdoor hospitality for pubs that do not serve food.
The initial list of events also includes events in the Iveagh Gardens Dublin, UL Concert Hall, INEC Killarney, Roisin Dubh Galway, Vicar Street Comedy and Cork Opera house. A series of 15 sports events have also been announced to trial the return of spectators for the period from 11 June to 10 July. Numbers attending outdoor sports events will increase throughout the summer subject to maintaining progress with the virus. In addition to the return of attendees at events, there has been a further easing of restrictions across the sports sector.
From 7 June, outdoor sports matches can recommence. Gyms, swimming pools including swimming lessons and leisure centres can also reopen. Indoor training, exercise and dance activities can recommence in pods of up to 6 from 5 July, subject to maintaining progress with the virus. The July 3 rd Munster Hurling Semi Final at Semple Stadium between Cork and Limerick and the Irish Open Golf Championship at Mount Juliet in Kilkenny are amongst the trial events.
