Outdoor gatherings will be limited 15 people, down from 200, as part of new measures aimed at stemming the spread of Covid-19, the Government has announced.
Under the restrictions on public gatherings, which remain in place until 13 September at the earliest, indoor events will be limited to six people, which is down from 50.
Businesses such as shops and restaurants, which are subject to separate rules, are exempt from this.
Weddings will also be exempt from the new restrictions, meaning they can go ahead with 50 people.
The measures agreed by Cabinet will mean that matches and other sporting fixtures will have to take place behind closed doors.
Sports events and matches must adhere to strict avoidance of social gatherings before and after events.
Indoor and outdoor training should follow the guidance on six people indoors and 15 people outdoors.
Acting Chief Medical Officer Dr Ronan Glynn said even when people meet up outdoors they should maintain physical distance.
"We are not powerless against this disease, we can alter its course, but to do so we must act together now," he said.
Dr Glynn said the situation of growing cases is of significant concern.
He said the focus of the measures recommended by NPHET were threefold; to limit congregation and the number of people each of us meet, to enhance the application and enforcement of current measures, and to ensure the roll-out of further targeted measures.
He said people must be extra vigilant when socialising with friends and family due to the increase in cases of the coronavirus because of close contact with a confirmed case.
"We must not forget the safe behaviours that were so successful in flattening the curve through May and June - this virus is not tired even if we are," he said.
Latest coronavirus stories
At a glance: What's new with Covid-19 restrictions
Dr Glynn said that children's summer camps can continue, but should be kept to the same consistent group of 15 children. He said that there should be regular small networks of people.
Taosieach Micheál Martin said schools will reopen and the Government will do everything to make sure this is done safely. He said that work will have to be done to make school transport safer.
He said there have been too many house parties and there have been larger gatherings than there would have been six weeks ago.
Mr Martin said the essence of the household restrictions is to stop what is going on, and he said there is evidence that the guard has slipped in some instances.
He said with the six per household and 15 outdoors rules, they are helping schools to reopen and protecting vulnerable and the elderly.
Gardaí will be given new powers to enforce rules around social gatherings, particularly in restaurants or bars serving food, and in private homes.
