Bank Holidays Ireland 2024

How many bank holidays are there in Ireland in 2024?

In Ireland, there will be 10 public holidays in the year 2024. This number was increased from 9 in 2022 with the introduction of a new annual public holiday in early February to mark St Brigid’s Day​​.

Comprehensive list of bank holidays Ireland for 2024

In 2024, Ireland will observe several bank holidays, each with its unique background and way of celebration. These are days when banks and many businesses close, giving employees a well-deserved break.

Here's a detailed list:

Special observations and traditions

Each of these bank holidays has its own cultural and historical significance. For instance, St. Patrick's Day is famously associated with parades, green attire, and festivities celebrating Irish culture.

Easter Monday, following the solemnity of Holy Week, is a day of joy and family reunions. Christmas and St. Stephen's Day are deeply family-centric, marked by gift-giving and traditional meals.

The most recent addition to this list is St Brigid's Day, introduced in recognition of the public's efforts during the Covid-19 pandemic​​. This day highlights the importance of community and resilience in Irish culture.

Legal and workplace implications

For employers and HR professionals, it's crucial to understand the legalities surrounding these holidays.

Under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, most full-time workers are entitled to paid leave on public holidays. Part-time workers have different entitlements, depending on their hours worked prior to the holiday​​.

It's also worth noting that while Good Friday is recognized as a bank holiday, it's not a public holiday, meaning there's no automatic day off legally. This distinction is important for scheduling and payroll decisions​​.

New additions or changes to the 2024 calendar

In 2024, Ireland's bank holiday calendar includes a relatively recent addition, reflecting the evolving nature of public holidays.

The most notable change from the previous years is the inclusion of St Brigid's Day as a new annual public holiday. This holiday was added in 2023 and is celebrated in early February.

Specifically, it is observed on the first Monday of February, except when St Brigid's Day (1 February) falls on a Friday, in which case the holiday is celebrated on that Friday. This addition increases the number of public holidays in Ireland from nine to ten​​.

St Brigid's Day was introduced to acknowledge the efforts of the general public, volunteers, and workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to remember those who lost their lives due to the virus. It marks the Gaelic festival of Imbolc and celebrates one of Ireland’s patron saints.

This addition reflects a cultural recognition of the community's resilience and the importance of collective effort in difficult times.

The other public holidays in Ireland for 2024 are largely consistent with previous years, including Saint Patrick's Day, Easter Monday, the first Monday in May, June, August, and the last Monday in October, as well as Christmas Day and Saint Stephen's Day​​.

It's worth noting that Easter Monday is the only public holiday with a date that varies significantly each year, as it depends on the ecclesiastical approximation of the March equinox​​.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, the Irish bank holidays for 2024 offer a rich tapestry of cultural and historical significance. From the Spring Bank Holiday to the newly added St Brigid's Day, each public holiday reflects the diverse heritage of Ireland, including Northern Ireland.

As we look forward to the next bank holiday, it's important to keep track of public holiday dates and understand when each public holiday falls. The inclusion of a new bank holiday enriches our annual celebrations.

Whether it's the festive atmosphere of the October Christmas Day or the tranquil respite of a Spring break, these holidays are a cornerstone of Irish life, offering moments of rest, reflection, and celebration.