Things were looking grim in Ireland as strict COVID restrictions were in place for a number of months.

But now the country is #reopening step by step and it has bolstered everybody's mood.

As of today (Monday, May 10th), hairdressers, barbers, and salons can reopen for customers by appointment.

Click and collect for non-essential retail can also resume, and museums, libraries and galleries can reopen.

The inter-county travel ban is lifted from today as well.

There's also an increase in the number of people who can meet outdoors, including in private gardens, as three households or six people from any number of households may gather.

Up to three households of fully vaccinated people can meet indoors with other fully vaccinated people. Plus fully vaccinated people can meet indoors with unvaccinated people from a single household.

From this day next week (May 17th), all retail will open. June 2nd will see hotels, B&Bs, self-catering and hostels reopen.

Overall, we are well and truly on the way.

The new measures will make a huge difference to a number of businesses and business owners in Ireland.

There have been lots of well wishes to those #reopening on Twitter.

Here are some feel-good tweets.

We've been particularly enjoying the #reopening hairdressers and barbers ones!