Hotels, B&Bs reopen in Ireland as lockdown eases

DUBLIN: Ireland has taken a significant step towards a return to normality with the easing of some Covid-19 restrictions.

Hotels, B&Bs, guesthouses and self-catering accommodation are welcoming guests again. It marks the beginning of a phased reopening of the country over the summer.

Among the hotels reopening was the Fitzwilliam Hotel in Dublin. Fergal O’Connell, general manager of the city centre hotel, said staff were excited to welcome guests back.

“It’s been a tough six months, so we were looking forward to getting our doors open again and welcoming them back,” he said.

“We have been getting ready for two weeks. It’s a big day and we have been looking forward to it.” Mr O’Connell said he is looking forward to international travel reopening, which will help boost bookings.

“We haven’t had substantial bookings with international travel still being closed, so it’s a big disadvantage to us in Dublin city centre,” he added.

“There has been a good support of bookings but not like last year, I imagine it will be a challenging summer for city and urban hotels.

“We are looking forward to get our international tourists back again into Dublin city centre once we get the airports open.

“The Irish domestic market will give us some business but it won’t replace everything. “The staff have been looking forward to it. Thanks to Government supports we have been able to retain them.

“Six months of sitting at home and being unsure of everything has thankfully come to an end.”

Sebastian Cieplinski, front house manager of the hotel, described it as a “big day”. “We are all excited and though it will be a slow one, with the weekend coming we are expecting more people to come.

“It’s slow and steady but we are getting there.”

Stephanie O’Connell, front office receptionist, recently joined the Fitzwilliam Hotel team. “We are excited to welcome new and former guests to the hotel, it’s our first day back in business so we are ready to go,” she added.

“We couldn’t wait to open the doors and welcome everyone back. Guests are excited to be back again. “Everything is getting back to life and the city is open again.” Dane Carr, concierge at the hotel, said: “It’s great to be back and exciting to see guests back in the hotel.

“There is a lot more people on the streets and long may it continue. “It’s great to interact with the public again and hopefully when the airports reopen we can have international visitors again.”

On June 7, outdoor services in bars and restaurants will reopen along with cinemas and theatres. On the same date, up to 200 people can attend outdoor events in venues with a minimum capacity of 5,000, and up to 100 can attend other outdoor events.

From July 5, indoor hospitality will reopen while indoor events will recommence, with a maximum of 100 attendees in larger venues and 50 in

all others. There will be a further increase in the numbers attending outdoor events, while indoor exercise and sports activities will return.

From July 5, up to 50 guests will be able to attend wedding receptions. From August 5, there will be a further increase in numbers attending indoor events, with 200 in larger venues and 100 in all others.

Taoiseach Micheal Martin has previously said that the reopening of society and the economy will depend on Irish people following the guidelines in place.

Speaking last week, Mr Martin said: “We are almost back to a point where we can just enjoy the ordinary, extraordinary moments in our lives. The sense of hope, excitement and relief is palpable.

“But as we watch what is happening across the globe, we, of course, know that we must remain vigilant against this terrible virus. We know there have been many twists and turns on this journey.”