Many hundreds of punters were seen packing out Dublin’s nightclubs after the Covid restrictions were lifted.
Dublin’s dancers were in full force for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic. Long queues stretched for hundreds of yards at venues on Harcourt Street in Dublin’s capital.
The Irish Government announced earlier this week that nightclubs would reopen for business for the first time since March 2020. This was much to the delight and excitement of young people as well as exuberant nightclub owners, who raced to get their venues ready for the big day.
Despite some initial confusion over the new regulations venues were facing, Taoiseach Micheal Martin had earlier this week promised ‘what traditionally happens in a nightclub will continue to happen in the nightclub’.
Pictures quickly circulated on social media Friday, showing hundreds upon hundreds of hopeful punters gathering in large groups outside city hotspot Coppers while others waited patiently to enter Tramline nightclub.
Other images showed out-of-practice revellers sprawled on the streets of Dublin, their excitement seeming to have taken over.
A woman is seated with her head between her knees, while a man is held by a friend as they keel over outside Copper Face Jack’s nightclub in Dublin, as Ireland’s Covid restrictions are eased for the first-time in 600 days.
Three clubbers are excited to pose for photos outside Tramline Nightclub in Dublin on Friday evening
Early in the evening, queues formed at several venues in Dublin as punters lined up to celebrate the biggest night in almost two years.
Alvin Pascal from Beaumont in Dublin, a regular clubber, stated that the past two year had been a “different experience”.
He said, “It’s been 2 years so it’s a little different experience. I was a little anxious about coming out. It’s now fun to be there.
He also said that he misses socializing with people. Pascal stated that it was a different experience than sitting at home or in pubs.
When asked if his plans were to go out this weekend, he answered: “100%.” It’s been 2 years since I was last out.
The first time that Dublin’s dancers had been out since the pandemic began was when they were out in force. Pictured: Tramline Nightclub, Dublin
An Garda officer keeps an eye on proceedings outside Copper Face Jack nightclub, Dublin, on Friday
After the removal of coronavirus restriction in Ireland, people pictured outside Copper Face Jack nightclub in Dublin
As excited clubbers lined the streets to prepare for the biggest night of the year in nearly two decades, queues started to form at some venues in Dublin.
A small police presence was present on Friday night as An Garda officers kept an eye on proceedings.
New government guidelines require that masks be worn when you are not inside drinking, dancing, or eating. All nightclub events starting next week will be ticketed.
Lakshay Seth, a Dublin resident, said that he was’really excited to visit a club. He claimed that he was out almost every weekend before the pandemic.
He said that he missed dancing after the long closing of venues. He said, “Just dancing.” He said, “Just dancing. I’m a huge Abba fan.”
Pictures quickly spread on social media Friday, showing hundreds upon hundreds of hopeful punters gathering in large groups outside city hotspot Coppers while others waited patiently to enter the packed Tramline nightclub.
A trio of punters laugh together in the line for Copper Face Jack’s nightclub in Dublin on Friday evening
Despite initial confusion regarding the new regulations venues were confronted with, Taoiseach MichealMartin had earlier this year promised that “what traditionally happens in nightclubs will continue to occur in the nightclub”.
He stated that he was not nervous about the situation and would follow the rules.
‘I travel on public transport so if Covid is available, I might get it there. Or I might get it here. But, if there are any guidelines that we need to follow, we’re all for it.
Many venue owners insist that, despite the fast turnaround time, they are eager and ready to open.
On Thursday night, Catherine Martin, Culture Minister, told reporters that the hospitality industry must’show leadership’ to ensure they follow the new rules.
Health officials have warned about a long winter ahead due to rising case numbers and increasing pressures on the service.
After the removal coronavirus restrictions were lifted, Tramline Nightclub opened in Dublin. Clubbers are now outside Tramline Nightclub.
Sam Moriarty (left), Greta Luko and Greta Moriarty smile for a photo outside Tramline Nightclub in Dublin, Friday evening
Ian Redmond, the owner of Tramline nightclub, shared his excitement about Ireland’s grand opening on Friday night.
He exclaimed, “I’m so happy,” He said, “To finally get open it is just amazing,” as he stood outside of the venue.
“We have done all we can. We have the ambulance service to check temperatures. Passport ID, Covid ID. We’ve done it all.
He expressed concern that new ticket guidelines would make it difficult to host smaller events and draw customers.
He stated that tourists coming to Ireland will not be able to enter our doors.
He said that it was destined for a great night.
“It is great news that it is back and so excited to be open.