#TravelSafely to East Clare
Whether you are planning for a fun weekend away or hoping to visit East Clare as part of a longer adventure, we have the latest information on Ireland's re-opening and safety precautions. When you are ready to visit East Clare we want you to feel that you can travel safely with a newfound appreciation for the region.
County Clare is currently in the process of reopening under Ireland's National Framework for Living with COVID-19. The government's Path Ahead public health measures outline the plans for the weeks and months ahead as the country moves towards large scale reopening.
Ireland's Travel Advisory
Covid-19 continues to be a threat, however with continued public health measures, vaccinations and testing international travel is now possible.
If you are travelling to Ireland from overseas, you must fill out and complete a Passenger Locator Form before departure.
All those arriving from overseas into Ireland must provide appropriate valid proof of vaccination or recovery or present evidence of a negative RT-PCR result from a test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival into the country.
Children between the ages of 12 and 17 will be required to have a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival to travel into the country unless they have a valid proof of vaccination or recovery.
Children of any age, travelling with accompanying vaccinated or recovered adults will not be required to self-quarantine post-arrival. However, where one accompanying adult needs to self-quarantine, then all children must also self-quarantine.
Travel from specific designated States is subject to mandatory hotel quarantine. These must be pre-booked in advance of travel. These arrangements apply to any passenger who has been in any of the countries listed in the previous 14 days, even if only transiting through one of these countries and even if remaining airside. It is important to note that the list of designated States will be subject to change at short notice and passengers are required to check the list before travelling to Ireland, to be sure of their obligations.
Covid-19 Safety Charter
Fáilte Ireland launched the Covid-19 Safety Charter in the summer of 2020, this is a government-endorsed initiative that aims at reinforcing confidence in visitors to tourism businesses. It also brings comfort and reassurance to employees, employers and customers to a business that your business is ready to re-open safely.
When a business signs up to this safety charter, the business is saying that it will follow the sector-specific guidelines outlined by Fáilte Ireland for hospitality and tourism businesses. Those who display this safety charter agree to the Terms and Conditions, adhere to the official advice and ensure that all employees have undertaken Covid-19 safety and hygiene control training. This charter demonstrates to customers that you are operating in line with current government health advice and have a range of safety and cleaning protocols in place.
Here is a complete list of East Clare members who have attained the Covid-19 Safety Charter.
Mask Wearing
By law, you must wear a face mask when using public transport and in shops, indoor settings, shopping centres, post offices, banks and credit unions.
Face coverings must be worn when circulating around outdoor dining areas and when going indoors to use toilet facilities.
In situations where social distancing cannot be maintained it is recommended that face masks are worn, such as at crowded outdoor markets or on busy streets.
What to Know When Visiting East Clare
Accomodation
Accommodation services including hotels, B&Bs, self-catering, caravan & camping and hostels are open.
Services like leisure centres are limited to members, guests and residents. Sessions can be booked through a booking system.
Activities & Attractions
Gyms, swimming pools and leisure centres can open for individual training only. Swimming classes and lessons are permitted to operate. Booking systems are in place to limit numbers.
Activity providers are operating with COVID-19 safety precautions in mind. Pre-booking is essential and numbers are limited.
Cinemas and theatres can increase their capacity to 60% if all members of the audience are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 (not including accompanied children). Otherwise, their capacity stays at 50 people.
Attractions are open with protective measures in place. They are operating at a reduced capacity that is limited to the max capacity, taking account of the Public Health Advice of the time. Guided tours within indoor attractions are not permitted at present but are due to return on September 20th.
Dining & Restaurants
Indoor dining is permitted for those who can provide evidence of a Covid-19 vaccination or who have proof of recovering in the past 180 days.
Outdoor hospitality can continue to operate for customers who are unable to provide evidence of Covid-19
vaccination or immunity following recovery.
A maximum of 6 adults and up to 9 minors (under 18) may be seated at a table.
Many restaurants and cafés are also operating a takeaway service to complement their dining service. Social distancing is enforced when collecting or placing your order, and masks must be worn.
The dining areas of restaurants must be clear of all patrons by 11:30pm.
Drinking & Pubs
Under the current restrictions, pubs and bars are permitted to open for both indoor and outdoor dining. Service is available for groups of up to 6 people.
Table service is the only service permitted in pubs and bars.
Many pubs and bars are operating a takeaway service. Takeaway drinks must be consumed at least 100m away from the premise in which they are bought.
The outdoor areas of pubs and bars must be clear of all patrons by 11:30pm.
