Understanding Public Holidays in Ireland
Public holidays in Ireland are legally recognised days when most employees are entitled to paid time off, an additional day’s pay, or alternative benefits if required to work. These holidays are not informal observances they are established under Irish employment law, primarily through the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, and administered by the Government of Ireland.
In Ireland, public holidays play an essential role in workplace regulation, education schedules, cultural life, and national identity. On these days, many businesses close or operate reduced hours, schools and colleges typically shut, public transport may follow Sunday or holiday timetables, and communities across the country participate in cultural, historical, or seasonal traditions.
From a practical standpoint, Irish public holidays directly affect:
- Employees & employers – determining statutory leave, holiday pay, and rostering
- Families & students – influencing school calendars and childcare planning
- Travel & tourism – impacting accommodation demand, transport schedules, and event availability
- Businesses & investors – shaping operating hours, staffing costs, and compliance obligations
Ireland currently recognises 10 official public holidays each year. Some are fixed-date holidays (such as Christmas Day), while others move annually (such as Easter Monday or the first Monday in May). Since 2023, St Brigid’s Day has also been included as a national public holiday, reflecting Ireland’s evolving cultural priorities.
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Ireland Public Holidays 2026 – Official Dates Table
| Date | Day | Holiday Name | Regions Observed |
| 1 January 2026 | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Nationwide |
| 2 February 2026 | Monday | St Brigid’s Day | Nationwide |
| 17 March 2026 | Tuesday | St Patrick’s Day | Nationwide |
| 6 April 2026 | Monday | Easter Monday | Nationwide |
| 4 May 2026 | Monday | May Day | Nationwide |
| 1 June 2026 | Monday | June Bank Holiday | Nationwide |
| 3 August 2026 | Monday | August Bank Holiday | Nationwide |
| 26 October 2026 | Monday | October Bank Holiday | Nationwide |
| 25 December 2026 | Friday | Christmas Day | Nationwide |
Source: Citizens Information & Government of Ireland official holiday calendar
Detailed Guide to Each Irish Public Holiday in 2026
New Year’s Day – Thursday, 1 January 2026
Official status: Public holiday under Irish law
Observed: Nationwide
New Year’s Day marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is one of Ireland’s oldest statutory holidays. While celebrations in Ireland are generally more subdued than in some countries, the day carries strong symbolic importance as a fresh start following the Christmas period.
How it’s observed:
- Most offices, banks, and government services close
- Retailers often operate reduced hours
- Public transport follows Sunday schedules
Work & schools:
Schools and universities remain closed as part of the Christmas break. Employees are entitled to public holiday benefits under law.
Travel & planning tips:
- Popular winter breaks and city stays sell out quickly
- Rural transport options may be limited
- Book accommodation early if travelling between Christmas and New Year
St Brigid’s Day – Monday, 2 February 2026
Official status: Public holiday (introduced nationally in 2023)
Observed: Nationwide
St Brigid’s Day celebrates St Brigid of Kildare, one of Ireland’s three patron saints. Rooted in ancient Celtic tradition, it aligns with Imbolc, a festival marking the beginning of spring.
When 1 February falls on a weekend (as in 2026), the holiday is observed on the following Monday.
Cultural significance:
- Celebrates women, creativity, and renewal
- Increasingly marked by cultural events and exhibitions
How it’s observed:
- Government offices and banks close
- Schools are closed
- Growing number of community festivals
Travel tip:
This is a quieter holiday for tourism ideal for short domestic breaks with less crowd pressure.
St Patrick’s Day – Tuesday, 17 March 2026
Official status: National public holiday
Observed: Nationwide
St Patrick’s Day is Ireland’s most internationally recognised holiday, honouring St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.
Cultural importance:
- National parades (especially in Dublin, Cork, and Galway)
- Widespread cultural programming
- Global Irish diaspora celebrations
How it’s observed:
- Public offices and schools close
- Pubs, restaurants, and tourism venues thrive
- Many businesses close or operate reduced hours
Travel & planning tips:
- Expect higher accommodation prices
- Book transport early
- City centres may have traffic restrictions
Easter Monday – Monday, 6 April 2026
Official status: Public holiday
Observed: Nationwide
Easter Monday follows Easter Sunday and holds both religious and historical importance in Ireland, particularly in remembrance of the 1916 Easter Rising.
Observance:
- Offices, banks, and schools closed
- Many families use the long weekend for travel
Travel advice:
- Popular time for domestic tourism
- Expect busy roads and higher hotel occupancy
May Day – Monday, 4 May 2026
Official status: Public holiday (first Monday in May)
Observed: Nationwide
May Day celebrates workers and the arrival of summer. While less ceremonial in Ireland than in mainland Europe, it’s widely valued as a long weekend.
Business impact:
- Retail and hospitality remain busy
- Office-based businesses typically close
Planning tip:
Excellent time for short breaks before peak summer pricing begins.
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June Bank Holiday – Monday, 1 June 2026
This holiday marks the start of summer and is popular for festivals, outdoor events, and coastal travel.
Observance:
- Schools closed
- Offices closed
- Tourist destinations busy
August Bank Holiday – Monday, 3 August 2026
The August Bank Holiday is one of Ireland’s busiest domestic travel periods.
Key notes:
- Peak tourism season
- Major festivals nationwide
- Heavy traffic expected
October Bank Holiday – Monday, 26 October 2026
This holiday coincides with Halloween celebrations, making it particularly popular with families.
Observance:
- Schools closed
- Community events and festivals common
Christmas Day – Friday, 25 December 2026
Official status: Public holiday
Observed: Nationwide
Christmas Day is Ireland’s most widely observed holiday.
What closes:
- Nearly all businesses
- Public transport often does not run
Planning tip:
Prepare food, transport, and accommodation well in advance.
How Public Holidays Affect Work & Businesses in Ireland
Under Irish law, public holidays affect employees through paid time off or compensation, not mandatory closure.
Employers must provide one of the following:
- A paid day off
- An additional day’s pay
- An extra day of annual leave
- Paid time off within one month
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Public Holiday Pay Entitlements (Irish Law)
Public holiday rights are governed by:
- Organisation of Working Time Act 1997
- Enforced by the Workplace Relations Commission
Eligibility includes part-time and temporary workers once minimum hours are met.
Best Ways to Plan Leave Around Ireland Public Holidays 2026
Maximise time off by:
- Taking 4–5 leave days around Easter or August
- Combining St Patrick’s Day with annual leave
- Booking accommodation early for summer bank holidays
FAQs – Ireland Public Holidays 2026
What are Ireland’s public holidays in 2026?
Ireland has 10 public holidays in 2026, including St Patrick’s Day, Easter Monday, and Christmas Day.
Is St Patrick’s Day a public holiday in Ireland?
Yes. It is a nationwide public holiday every year on 17 March.
Do all employees get paid on public holidays in Ireland?
Most employees are entitled to public holiday benefits under Irish law, subject to eligibility.
Is St Brigid’s Day a public holiday in 2026?
Yes. It will be observed on Monday, 2 February 2026.
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References & Official Sources
- Citizens Information – Public Holidays
- Government of Ireland – Employment Law
- Workplace Relations Commission
- Organisation of Working Time Act 1997
Conclusion
Ireland’s public holidays in 2026 provide more than just days off they shape workplace rights, cultural traditions, travel demand, and national rhythm. With 10 legally recognised public holidays, Ireland offers a balanced calendar that reflects both historical heritage and modern values, including the recent addition of St Brigid’s Day.
Whether you’re an employee planning annual leave, a business owner managing compliance, a student organising study schedules, or a visitor arranging travel, knowing the exact public holiday dates and legal implications is essential. This guide is designed to serve as a reliable, up-to-date reference you can confidently bookmark and return to throughout the year.
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By planning ahead especially around high-demand holidays like St Patrick’s Day, Easter Monday, and the August Bank Holiday you can avoid unnecessary costs, secure better travel options, and make the most of Ireland’s holiday calendar in 2026.
For official updates or legal clarification, always consult government sources, but for practical, human-focused planning, this guide gives you everything you need in one place.
Last updated January 2026
