Revellers took to the streets in style as ‘curfew' is lifted for the nation

Buoyed by the lifting of restrictions, revellers took to the streets in style on Saturday night to celebrate the end of the dreaded 8pm ‘curfew’.

Dublin city centre was thronged with people happily enjoying their newfound freedom as the sound of tills ringing was music to ears of bars and restaurants whose trade was decimated by the pandemic.

Among those letting their hair down on Grafton Street were Chloe Barry, Áine Corbett and Anna Fitzgerald from Tipperary. From slightly further afield, Lena Jacquot travelled from Provence, France, to meet some old friends outside the Dame Tavern.

And it comes just in time for the spring sporting season, with full capacity crowds allowed back into grounds to enjoy the Six Nations and GAA inter-county leagues, while barstool fans will be able to enjoy evening kick-offs with a few pints without checking the clock for the dreaded curfew.

Noel Anderson of The Bridge 1859 in Ballsbridge says he is ‘unbelievably excited’ to get the show back on the road.

‘I was driving to town and Dermot Kennedy’s song was playing, Better Days Are Coming, and by Jaysus, I turned that right up. I do think those better days are coming,’ Mr Anderson said.

‘Getting people back at the bar counter is like getting the holy grail back; that’s a really big part for us. That everyone can stand around on match days and have a beer, chat, have the banter.’

Rugby fan David Scully from Ballinteer, Dublin, said he can’t wait to hear the Six Nations roar at the Aviva Stadium next month.

‘The rugby fans are always in full voice and it’s always a sell out, so the two anthems get a good roaring. But the Aviva when it’s rocking, it’s one of the best in the world.’ He expects Saturday week’s opener against Wales to be ‘incredibly special, after two years in and out of restrictions’.

Assistant bar manager Jerome Ennis in nearby Slattery’s is also buoyed, saying big match days are ‘vital’ to business.

‘The atmosphere is electric from early morning. It’s always good-natured. There’s never any kind of hassle. To have capacity restored will be great.’