St. Patrick’s Day will look a lot different this year in Ireland with the country under Level Five COVID-19 restrictions and police presence limiting celebrations and curbing recent protests.

Ireland’s extended lockdown restrictions in February saw protestors in Dublin turn violent after two fireworks were shot at police.

To prepare for the national holiday, Ireland’s national police force, An Garda Síochána have decided to enforce a prepared policing plan to deal with COVID-19 restriction protesters and large gatherings.

Checkpoints will be set up on main roads heading into Dublin city centre to prevent another protest from turning violent which happened in late February earlier this year.

More than 2,500 Garda officers will be policing with some asking road and public transport users whether they are travelling five kilometres past their home without an essential reason.

Deputy Commissioner for Policing and Security, Anne Marie McMahon said that while it won’t be a normal St. Patrick’s Day, people can celebrate the day at home.

“Staying home this St Patrick’s Day is the best thing people can do for their country and the best thing they can do for the people they know and love,” she said.

As part of the policing plan, An Garda Síochána will also use the dog unit, mounted police, air support to help police presence.

Ireland’s Department of Health said Ireland has recorded 227,663 COVID-19 cases and 4,552 COVID-19 related deaths.

Ireland’s Level Five restrictions will stay in place until at least 5 April with stay at home orders limiting what people can do.

Photo: Blue lights with a sign police in Ireland by Ivan Corvin available HERE and used under a Creative Commons Attribution. The image has not been modified.