The Irish, famous  for their social drinking culture, face their national day without being able to go to the pub.

The government has called for all pubs and bars to close until 29 March to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.

In a statement the government said: "The LVA (Licensed Vintners Assosiation) and VFI (Vintners Federation of Ireland) outlined the real difficulty in implementing the published guidelines on social distancing in a public house setting, as pubs are specifically designed to promote social interaction in a situation where alcohol reduces personal inhibitions.”

The closure, which comes into effect on Sunday evening, also includes all hotel bars across Ireland. 

This is a major blow for the Irish economy on the eve of St Patrick's day on 17 March,  the most celebrated day of the year in Ireland. 

The statement also said it would be reviewing the social distancing in other public places such as restaurants and cinemas in the coming days.