FROM HITTING THE dancefloor to singing your heart out at a gig, there are still quite a few things that have yet to return due to Covid restrictions.

Those working in indoor hospitality have been able to welcome back revellers for over a month, allowing us to get back to the pub and have a long overdue drink with friends or family – and in the coming weeks, late night pubs, nightclubs and live events are planned to resume. 

The #TogetherAgain campaign from Drinks Ireland is highlighting how great it has been for hospitality venues to reopen, and reminding us of everything else we have to look forward to returning. 

We were given further details about the future of the entertainment sector when the government published its latest roadmap on Tuesday, with organised indoor events and mass gatherings set to return from September 6 with capacity limits of 60%, and all remaining restrictions on indoor events set to be removed from October 22. 

The announcement has given us a chance to think about the things we’re most looking forward to experiencing again and, with this in mind, we asked six readers what they are most looking forward to and why. Read on to see what they said, and share your stance in the poll at the end.

‘Live music’

I can’t wait to be standing in front of a stage, drink in hand, surrounded by friends waiting for a gig to start that I’ve been looking forward to. Whether it’s a gorgeous intimate one in Vicar Street or a headliner at Glastonbury, I can’t wait to get back to live music and how joyful and electric it is.

- Kathy

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‘Meeting new people in a club’

I’ve really missed the conversations you’d have with people in the bathroom at a club or bar. I can’t wait for that, and for the fashion shows when you’re getting ready with your friends for a night out. 

- Jean 

‘Mingling in the pub’

I’m really looking forward to the return of the actual pub experience; sitting up at the bar, moving between tables, piling nine people into a tiny booth just because you’re that eager to have a good time with your friends.

- Conall 

 ‘Mid-week gigs’

Gigs are definitely the thing I have missed most since the start of lockdown. There is nothing like meeting a couple of friends for a mid-week gig in Vicar Street or the Olympia. Live music adds energy and atmosphere to Dublin and musicians have been so adversely affected by the pandemic. I cannot wait to get back to gigs and already have tickets to a few amazing Irish artists like Villagers, Kojaque and Saint Sister lined up for when venues reopen later this year.

- Trudi 

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‘Letting my hair down at a concert – and no time restrictions’

I’m really excited for the reintroduction of concerts and gigs. Concerts and live music play such a massive role in Irish culture and craic. I can’t wait to let my hair down and dance around to my favourite band next year (which I have bought the tickets for already!). 

I’ve also greatly missed late night pubs. There’s nothing nicer than being able to enjoy yourself at your favourite local with some live music and no time restrictions. I can’t wait for the time restrictions to be lifted because it takes the pressure off when you’re trying to enjoy yourself. 

- Kate 

‘Dancing with friends’

I am living for the day when we can go out out again. The ritual of getting dolled up to meet the girls in town for a few cocktails and finishing the night with a good ol’ boogie on the dance floor. 

- Sarah 

With re-openings in the entertainment sector on the horizon, what have you missed most as we get #TogetherAgain?

While we wait for restrictions to continue to ease for the events and live music sector, we can be #TogetherAgain for now in pubs, restaurants and hotels. For more on the #TogetherAgain campaign by Drinks Ireland, click here or follow @DrinksIreland on Twitter.