This is a big day for Ireland as high streets take on a slightly more familiar look - we were up at eight to bag ourselves some tomato plants - and we all grapple with the possibilities presented by being able to travel up to 20k. Hopefully the easing of Lockdown restrictions, whilst still being mindful of the dangers that remain, will bring you closer to some of the people in your lives. Along with those tomato plants, our getting out of bed was made easier by the news that Enable Ireland and other charity shops are starting to re-open. Tower Records is doing its do again on Dawson Street. New public toilets that allow for social distancing are being installed in Dublin city centre. Some of the legendary buzz has returned to Georges Street Arcade. The awesome Charlie Byrne's in Galway is back tending to its literary flock, as are O'Mahoney's in Limerick and the Gutter Bookshop in Dublin. Golfers are teeing-off at Mount Juliet. And that really is just for starters...
Here are some of other the Phase 2 comments and tweets that have caught our eye:

We are delighted to announce that all of our Charity Shops have re-opened safely today, with one-way systems, social distancing measures, limited customer numbers and sanitisers/gloves available. Come in and see us and grab a bargain! #openforbusiness #charityshops #Phase2 pic.twitter.com/iA2qNf2uB1

— Enable Ireland (@EnableIreland) June 8, 2020

Our first customer! Vinny and Charlie welcoming our first customer into the shop this morning , Fr Declan Deasy. pic.twitter.com/0HrIy9DDGn

— CharlieByrne'sBooks (@ByrnesBooks) June 8, 2020

If your business is about to reopen in #Cork, use #WelcomeBackCork and we'll share your update with our readers, free of charge.

Help a local business in your neighbourhood by sharing a photo + #WelcomeBackCork 💪

More here: https://t.co/kWgyHVEl1h pic.twitter.com/sKCCfdvu2W

— Yay Cork (@yaycork) June 8, 2020

Back on the course in @GolfMountJuliet but no new date yet for Irish Openhttps://t.co/4QTdlwDUOU

— KCLR 96FM (@kclr96fm) June 8, 2020

We’re happy to say we’re open again from Monday! pic.twitter.com/ra63XLPEOr

— Tower Records Dublin (@TowerDublin) June 6, 2020

So far - so good, Dublin continues to reopen at a safe pace! Oh and I went to @TowerDublin earlier… pic.twitter.com/JdscKFXykh

— Tony Duffin (@tonyduffin) June 8, 2020

And welcome 😄 pic.twitter.com/hawEs1Qlem

— George Street Arcade (@georgesarcade) June 8, 2020

We’re open from today for a late start to our 26th year in business on Main Street, Clifden, Co. Galway. Look forward to seeing you soon! pic.twitter.com/gTiXxq62Xa

— Gavin Lavelle (@GavinLavelle) June 8, 2020

pic.twitter.com/uzEU7QK1vN

— Patrick M Barrett ™️ (@arrivalists) June 8, 2020

Cork city has come alive once again as phase 2 kicks into gear. Here’s how some of the streets look today. I have been speaking traders who have reopened their doors for the first time today. More @RedFMNews @CorksRedFM pic.twitter.com/eP8oFku2UA

— Fiona O'Donovan (@FionaRedFM) June 8, 2020

Good luck to all the businesses and retailers back open today. A huge day for them and we’re finally moving towards some kind of normality again.

— The Tannery (@TanneryDungarva) June 8, 2020

Straight into my lovely local bookshop which is stuffed to the rafters with fablis things. Bought a buke, and also this deadly #duesouthclothing t-shirt#buybooks #shoplocal pic.twitter.com/uq906yBxWK

— Lise Hand (@liseinthecity) June 8, 2020

From Monday 8th June both of our bookshops will re-open. Please see below for revised opening hours. We will also continue to offer a Post-Out and Click & Collect service for all Web orders from our Cow's Lane store. Please see https://t.co/ofFy9q8Pva for further details. Bob. pic.twitter.com/kPsw8RwmXf

— Gutter Bookshop (@gutterbookshop) June 7, 2020

Nevil's Shoes on O'Connell Street have been keeping my feet comfy and snazzy for the past couple of years. They're open today, but they do ask that you call ahead and make an appointment or have an idea of what you're looking for before popping in ❤️https://t.co/p0OW1NYGc2 pic.twitter.com/WwGvNiuzC4

— Emma Langford (@ELangfordMusic) June 8, 2020