By Michelle Crean

After almost 500 days of closures the sense of relief was evident this week as restaurants, cafés and bars were finally allowed to welcome customers back in.

BACK INSIDE: Customers Charlie Buckingham and Danjoe Aherne were very happy to get back indoors at Jimmy Brien's Bar on Monday.

WORRIED: Brian Murphy at Courtney's Bar said he's nervous about staffing levels.

LONG SEASON: Lee O'Callaghan at the Porterhouse Restaurant says he's hoping for a long season ahead after being closed for so long.

Some had reopened for outdoor dining previously to help keep their businesses afloat but it was back to normal on Monday.

According to the new rules as set out by Fáilte Ireland and the Government, in order for customers to access indoor service, they must show proof that they are fully vaccinated or have recovered from COVID-19 in the past six months. Those who are not yet vaccinated can only be served outside.

A maximum of six people aged 13 and over are allowed per table and it's advised that face coverings be worn when not at the table, there is no time limit, customers can only eat or drink at a table and not at the bar or counter, and one person must give their details for contract tracing purposes. Live music and dancing is not allowed.

The Killarney Advertiser spoke to a number of businesses this week and overall the feeling was relief that they can finally get back to normal service but the issue of staffing still remains.

Brian Murphy from Courtney's Bar said he was feeling nervous.

"I'm feeling nervous as we don't have enough staff," he said. "It's a Monday so hopefully we can cope. Things will settle down and we'll find a level we are all happy with."

At the Porterhouse Restaurant Lee O'Callaghan said "It's great to be back open and have people coming into the restaurant".

"Hopefully we have a long season after being closed for so long."

Staff at Reidy's, Ellen Shannon, Rory Carroll and Jack Sweeney, added that they're delighted to return to indoor dining.

"Hopefully we get back to normal soon and to brighter days ahead."

At Jimmy Brien's Bar in Fair Hill, customers echoed the same sentiments about being finally open.

"We are delighted to be back," Danjoe Aherne said.

"We appreciate everything Alan Breen has done for us. We're glad to be back home again!" Charlie Buckingham said.