There are a number of conditions attached to visiting hours.
Residents of nursing homes in the Midlands will be able to see some friends and family from today.
Visiting restrictions are being eased earlier than initially planned in the government's roadmap.
Visitors will be limited to two per resident and visits restricted to half an hour at a time.
General Manager of Oakdale Nursing Home in Portarlington Valerie Moore says there's great excitement among residents: