In his speech to the nation last night, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar confirmed that cinemas can now reopen in Ireland on June 29th.

If you've been keeping track at home, the original date was set for August 10th before it was moved to July 20th. However, statements made by Taoiseach Leo Varadkar earlier this week indicated that it may have gone back to August.

However, last night's speech specifically cited cinemas, along with all sporting activity with outdoor gatherings of no less than 100 people, barbers, gyms, leisure centres, concert halls, theatre halls and bowling alleys. Pubs, meanwhile, can reopen with table service only and with other restrictions in place, such as serving "a substantial meal" with drinks.

As for cinemas, social distancing restrictions and measures were already in place before lockdown began. However, with the changing date of reopening by the government, some cinemas have begun working to the July 10th and are planning to keep to it.

Lighthouse Cinema in Smithfield, Dublin said that they "will be reviewing the revised road map carefully before making any decision to bring that opening date forward." Other cinemas have said they intend to open on June 29th.

As for what will actually be available in cinemas, however, is unclear. Many releases have been pushed to later in the year or next year, with the first major release of the summer - 'Tenet' - not landing in Irish cinemas until July 31st.