All pubs and nightclubs in Temple Bar in Dublin will temporarily close "with immediate effect" and until further notice.
It comes amid increasing concern over social distancing amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Many pubs and venues across the city have already closed voluntarily.
However, political leaders and health officials have expressed their concerns over reports that people continue to gather in large numbers in some bars,
In a statement this afternoon, the Temple Bar Company - which represents many of the venues in the popular Dublin city centre area - said they will close "until further advice" from authorities.
Temple Bar Company Statement #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/zrd5s5JrRG
— Love Temple Bar (@LoveTempleBar) March 15, 2020
They said: "In the interest of public health and following advice from An Garda Siochana and the health authorities The Temple Bar Company and its members have today decided that all pubs and nightclubs in Temple Bar will close their premises voluntarily with immediate effect.
"This decision was taken in light of the experiences of members of The Temple Bar Company over the last few days when it proved impossible to follow the public health advice to limit numbers and adequately implement measures to control social distancing.
"Members of The Temple Bar Company felt it was inappropriate to request the diversion of Garda resources away from more pressing needs."
The district has an annual footfall of just over 22 million, and the decision comes less than 48 hours before St Patrick's Day.
However, the Temple Bar Company said the decision "was the correct one given the unprecedented circumstances".
