Ireland observes 10 public holidays each year, with the most recent addition being St. Brigid’s Day on the first Monday of February, unless it falls on a Friday. In this case, February 1 itself is designated as a public holiday.
Public holidays, commonly referred to as bank holidays, see most businesses and schools close, although some services like public transport may operate on restricted schedules.
Public Holiday Dates in Ireland for 2025
- January 1
- February 3
- March 17
- April 21
- May 5
- June 2
- August 4
- October 27
- December 25
- December 26
It’s important to note that Good Friday is not a public holiday. While some businesses and schools may close, there is no automatic entitlement to time off work on this day.
The Date of Easter Monday
Easter Monday, a significant public holiday in Ireland, can vary each year. Easter Sunday is determined by the first Sunday after the first full moon following March 21, meaning the date for Easter can fall between March 22 and April 25.
Public Holiday Entitlements for Employees
Employees are generally entitled to paid leave on public holidays. Full-time workers are immediately eligible for public holiday benefits, while part-time workers must have worked a total of 40 hours in the preceding five weeks to qualify. Those eligible for public holiday benefits are entitled to one of the following options:
- A paid day off on the public holiday
- An additional day of annual leave
- An additional day’s pay
- A paid day off within a month of the public holiday
Employees should inform their employer at least 21 days prior to a public holiday which of these options they prefer. If the employer fails to respond at least 14 days before the holiday, the employee is entitled to the actual public holiday off with pay.
Part-Time Employees’ Rights
Part-time employees are entitled to benefits on public holidays if they have worked a total of at least 40 hours in the five weeks preceding the holiday. If the public holiday falls on a day they typically work, they are entitled to be paid for that day, even if they do not work it. If required to work on the holiday, they are entitled to an extra day’s pay.
If the public holiday falls on a day the employee does not usually work, they are entitled to one-fifth of their weekly pay as compensation. This also applies if the employee never works on public holidays, provided they meet the 40-hour threshold in the preceding five weeks. Time spent on annual leave counts toward the 40-hour requirement.
Public Holidays Falling on Weekends
When a public holiday falls on a weekend, employees are still entitled to benefits. However, there is no automatic right to have the next working day off. Employees should consult with their local Citizens Information Centre to understand their options.
Rights for Employees on Sick Leave
Full-time workers: If a full-time worker is on sick leave on a public holiday, they are entitled to public holiday benefits. Employers may also choose to pay the employee as if they had worked the public holiday, in which case the day would not count against their sick leave.
Part-time workers: Part-time employees are entitled to public holiday benefits if they have worked at least 40 hours in the five weeks prior. However, exceptions apply:
If the worker has been on sick leave for over 26 weeks due to ordinary illness or an accident, or over 52 weeks for an occupational accident, they are not entitled to public holiday benefits.
Maternity, Paternity, and Other Leaves
Employees on maternity leave, adoptive leave, paternity leave, parental leave, or domestic violence leave are entitled to public holiday benefits for any public holidays during their leave period. However, employees are not entitled to these benefits if their absence from work immediately before the holiday exceeds 13 weeks due to reasons such as layoff, strike, or after the first 13 weeks of carer’s leave.
Public Holiday Entitlements During Lay-off, Short-Time Work, or Job Loss
During lay-off or short-time work: Employees remain under contract and are entitled to public holiday benefits during the first 13 weeks of layoff. Part-time employees must have worked at least 40 hours in the five weeks prior to the holiday to qualify.
If you lose your job: Employees who lose their job during the week leading up to a public holiday, and have worked for at least four weeks with the employer, are entitled to an additional day’s pay for the public holiday. This also applies to part-time workers who meet the 40-hour work requirement in the preceding five weeks.
What to Do If You’re Not Receiving Your Public Holiday Entitlements
If an employee believes they are not receiving the public holiday benefits they are entitled to, they should first raise the issue with their employer. If the matter remains unresolved, they can file a complaint with the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) under the Organisation of Working Time Act. Complaints must be submitted via the WRC’s online form within six months of the issue.
For further assistance or to discuss your rights, contact your local Citizens Information Centre.
