The COVID-19 pandemic in the Republic of Ireland is part of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The virus reached the country in late February 2020 and within three weeks, cases had been confirmed in all counties. The pandemic affected many aspects of society. The government shut all schools, colleges, childcare facilities and cultural institutions on 12 March 2020. All large gatherings were cancelled, including St Patrick's Day festivities two years running. On 24 March 2020, almost all businesses, venues and amenities were shut, and on 27 March, the first stay-at-home order banned all non-essential travel and contact with other people. The elderly and those with certain illnesses were told to cocoon. People were made to