Key takeaway
Ireland has 10 public holidays per year. Here's when they fall, what's open, and the traditions around each one.
Ireland's 10 public holidays
- New Year's Day — 1 January
- St. Brigid's Day — first Monday in February (added in 2023)
- St. Patrick's Day — 17 March (Ireland's national day)
- Easter Monday — varies (March/April)
- May Bank Holiday — first Monday in May
- June Bank Holiday — first Monday in June
- August Bank Holiday — first Monday in August
- October Bank Holiday — last Monday in October
- Christmas Day — 25 December
- St. Stephen's Day — 26 December
St. Patrick's Day — Ireland's national holiday
17 March is Ireland's national day, celebrating the patron saint of Ireland. It's a public holiday and is celebrated with parades in every town and city. The Dublin St. Patrick's Festival runs for several days around 17 March and includes street performances, concerts, and a major parade through the city centre. Pubs are busy, the colour green is everywhere, and the mood is celebratory.
What's open on public holidays?
Most supermarkets and many shops open on public holidays, though often with reduced hours. Public transport runs on a Sunday/bank holiday timetable. Banks, government offices, and post offices are closed. Restaurants and cafés are generally open. Christmas Day is the exception — almost everything closes.
Entitlements for employees
All employees are entitled to paid time off on public holidays. If you work on a public holiday, you're entitled to a paid day off at another time, an extra day's pay, or a combination. Part-time workers' entitlements are calculated based on hours worked in the 5 weeks before the holiday. Full details are on citizensinformation.ie.
General guidance only. Always verify with official sources — gov.ie, citizensinformation.ie, hse.ie.