The Covid-19 pandemic in pictures: Echoes of a crisis five years on
From social distancing restrictions to acts of remembrance, these are defining photographs of the Covid-19 pandemic in Ireland by Irish Times photographers
Owner Finn MacDonnell with Seamus O Grifín as he enjoys his first pint in Dick Mack's pub in Dingle, Co Kerry, as 'wet' pubs reopen outside Dublin after the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions were imposed in March 2020. Photograph: Laura Hutton
Sun Mar 23 2025 - 06:00
We are five years on from the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in Ireland, when former taoiseach Leo Varadkar announced from Washington a series of restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of the virus.
More than 9,000 Covid-related deaths were recorded in the State as people’s lives were changed dramatically. From restrictions on socialising to the wearing of face masks, these photographs portray the Irish life during the crisis.
Visitors to the Royal Hospital Kilmainhan on the front lawn of the Irish Museum of Modern Art, within socially distant painted circles complying with Covid-19 precautions. Photograph: Alan Betson
Staff at St Monica's Covid ward in St Vincent University Hospital celebrating Bernard Duffy's 101st Birthday with a cake. Duffy was unable to have visitors. Photograph: Alan Betson
Face masks on public transport in Dublin. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
Ellen Creed on Mother’s Day in 2020, after Covid-19 restrictions on visitors had been imposed. Photograph: Bryan O'Brien
With no jewellers open Neil Ferguson and Marie Ryan bought jelly rings for their wedding. Photograph: Enda O’Dowd
A Covid patient is transferred with medical staff in full PPE at St Vincent's University Hospital. Photograph: Alan Betson
Social distancing sinage in a church as parishioners were due to be welcomed back. Photograph: Nick Bradshaw
Kelly and Sophie Masterson, on Arran Quay, Dublin. Photograph: Dara Mac Dónaill
Citywest vaccine centre: There are signs the vaccination programme is accelerating and moving to more than 200,000 a week. Photograph: Enda O’Dowd/The Irish Times
Pictured (from left) are Kay Hand, Fr Peter Byrne and Patrick Hand. Fr Peter Byrne of Balally church began putting up white crosses for Covid victims at the beginning of the crisis. Patrick and Kay Hand then put up the crosses every morning based on the published figures from the previous evening. Photograph Nick Bradshaw
