January 2022 has seen some big changes in Ireland compared with much of the past two years.

There are now no restrictions on availing of hospitality, travel and tourism in Ireland, visitors who have received Covid-19 vaccines can enter the country without a test, and those who are not can use a negative test to gain entry.

Once here, there are now no checks when dining in pubs and restaurants. Sporting events are going ahead and there are no checks to stay at hotels or other accommodation - this was the case throughout the pandemic.

Sensibly, masks are still required in shops and indoor public places.

Come and visit Ireland, let Panoramic Ireland help you find the hidden, quiet places to photograph.

As of the 6th of January 2022, people travelling to Ireland will not need to have a negative PCR test to visit the country.

The rules were introduced in the autumn of 2021 when the Omicron variant of Covid-19 was beginning to spread throughout the world.

Now that it has well and truly catapulted positive cases in Ireland and the difficult task of controlling its spread means that it is difficult to continue with the process of making tests mandatory since the virus is so widespread here as in most other European nations.

However, unvaccinated travellers will still need to have a negative PCR test or show proof of recovery from the virus.

And all arrivals should take a daily lateral flow test (LFD), more commonly known as an antigen test here in Ireland, for five days after arrival.

That is, if you can actually find one to buy, nevermind five! They have become incredibly difficult to source, in Ireland; until recently anyone who wanted to test for Covid has had to buy one of these tests but recent days has seen the HSE provide three free tests to those under 39 in place of PCR tests. The best places to find them are in supermarkets such as Aldi and Dunnes Stores as well as chemists.

Panoramic Ireland's one-to-one tours of Dublin and beyond eschew large groups to allow you to concentrate on seeing Ireland, photographing your interests all without outside interruptions.

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Today, December 21st, marks the shortest day of the year in Ireland and the northern hemisphere.

Daylength in Dublin has shortened to just under 7 hours and 30 minutes today with sunrise at 08:38 and sunset at 16:08.

Although this is the shortest day, the winter solstice, sunset has been getting a little bit later over the past few days with today's contraction in daylight hours coming from a later sunrise.

From here the days will gradually lengthen even if, typically, our winter weather remains dull and grey for several weeks as the coldest months of winter are yet to arrive.

Winter is of course a fine time to visit and photograph in Ireland, although the next few weeks in to January 2022 might see more restrictions and public health measures to reduce the spread of the Omicron variant of Covid-19.

Join Panoramic Ireland to photograph in winter, spring, summer and autumn in Ireland.

It's now the week before Christmas 2021 and Ireland, like much of Europe and the world, is experiencing a sharp increase in Omicron variant Coronavirus cases.

For the moment, there are some public health measures such as 8PM closures for hospitality, those arriving into the country need to fill out a Passenger Locator Form and take antigen tests for five days after arrival; mask wearing has remained throughout in shops and public buildings.

With a late, and slow, start to the booster vaccination program, Ireland looks set to be badly hit with the more transmissible Omicron variant so we do expect there to be further measures introduced such as lockdowns or other restrictions on movement.

Because there are many uncertainties around Coronavirus and the new Omicron variant, I am again offering no-deposit-required bookings for January and February 2022.

Our one-to-one and small group tours (where it's you and your friends/family) make the perfect escape from the problems associated with group travel in a pandemic.

Join Panoramic Ireland in Ireland during 2022 to photograph the sights, improve your photography and see Ireland.