Bank Holidays Ireland 2025
-
Written by: Rinaily Bonifacio
-
Last updated: 3 January 2025
Table of contents
How many bank holidays are there in Ireland in 2025?
In Ireland, there will be 10 public holidays in the year 2025. 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.
Bank holidays Ireland for 2025
In 2025, 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:
| Holidays 2024 | Date | Background |
|
New Year's Day |
Wednesday, January 1 |
Universal celebration marking the start of the new year |
|
St Brigid's Day |
Wednesday, February 5 |
Celebrates one of Ireland’s patron saints & marks the Gaelic festival of Imbolc |
|
St. Patrick's Day |
Monday, March 17 |
Global Irish cultural celebration in honor of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland |
|
Easter Monday |
Tuesday, April 1 |
Follows Easter Sunday, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ |
|
May Day |
Tuesday, May 6 |
Also known as Labour Day, a day honouring workers & their contributions |
|
June Bank Holiday |
Tuesday, June 3 |
A day for leisure & relaxation, often spent with family & friends |
|
August Bank Holiday |
Tuesday, August 5 |
Marks the summer's midpoint, with various festivals & events |
|
October Bank Holiday |
Tuesday, October 28 |
Celebrated on the last Monday of October, offering a break before winter |
|
Christmas Day |
Thursday, December 25 |
A major Christian festival celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ |
|
St Stephen's Day |
Friday, December 26 |
Also known as Boxing Day, a time for family gatherings & sporting events |
Northern Ireland bank holidays in 2025
The bank holidays in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are not the same in 2025
Here are the bank holidays in Northern Ireland for 2025:
| Holiday Name | Date | Background |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Wed, Jan 1 | Celebrates the start of the new year in the Gregorian calendar. A time for reflection on the past year and making resolutions for the future. |
| St. Patrick's Day | Mon, Mar 17 | A cultural and religious celebration held on the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the primary patron saint of Ireland. It commemorates Irish culture and heritage. |
| Good Friday | Fri, Apr 18 | The Friday before Easter Sunday, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. A significant day in the Christian calendar. |
| Easter Monday | Mon, Apr 21 | The day after Easter Sunday. In Christian tradition, it commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. |
| Early May Bank Holiday | Mon, May 5 | A bank holiday introduced in 1978, originally to celebrate May Day. It provides a long weekend in early May. |
| Spring Bank Holiday | Mon, May 26 | Traditionally known as Whit Monday, it was moved to the last Monday in May in 1971. It marks the end of spring and the beginning of summer. |
| Battle of the Boyne | Mon, Jul 14 | Commemorates the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, a significant event in Irish history. It is primarily celebrated by the Protestant community. It's important to note that the actual anniversary is on the 12th of July, but the bank holiday is observed on the following Monday. |
| Late Summer Bank Holiday | Mon, Aug 25 | Introduced in 1965, it provides a bank holiday at the end of August. |
| Christmas Day | Thu, Dec 25 | Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ. A major Christian festival and a widely celebrated cultural holiday. |
| Boxing Day | Fri, Dec 26 | Traditionally a day when gifts were given to servants and tradespeople. Today, it is a day for shopping, sporting events, and spending time with family. |
Key differences:
- Northern Ireland includes Good Friday, Spring Bank Holiday, Early May Bank Holiday, and Battle of the Boyne (substitute day).
- Republic of Ireland includes St. Brigid's Day, June Bank Holiday, August Bank Holiday, and October Bank Holiday.
New additions or changes to the 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 2025 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.
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.
Do you get paid for bank holidays in Ireland?
Yes, most employees in Ireland are entitled to paid time off on bank holidays.
Here's a breakdown:
- Full-time employees: Generally entitled to a paid day off on bank holidays.
- Part-time employees: Entitled to a paid day off if they have worked at least 40 hours in the 5 weeks before the bank holiday.
If required to work on a bank holiday:
- Entitled to an additional day's pay.
- May be given an alternative day off within a month of the bank holiday.
Important Note: This is a general overview. Specific entitlements and arrangements may vary depending on the employer's policies and individual employment contracts.
Effortlessly manage holiday absences with Shiftbase
Bank holidays in Northern Ireland, like St. Patrick's Day or the Battle of the Boyne, often lead to increased absence requests.
Managing these efficiently can be challenging. Shiftbase simplifies absence management, providing a clear overview of employee availability, especially during peak holiday periods.
Our software allows for easy tracking of holiday requests, ensuring accurate staffing levels and preventing scheduling conflicts. Streamline your absence processes and maintain optimal workforce coverage throughout the year, including bank holidays.
Ready to simplify holiday absence management? Try Shiftbase free for 14 days! Sign up now.
Manage leave and absence with ease!
- Automatic accrual of vacation hours
- Request leave easily
- Leave registrations visible in the planning
Written by:
Rinaily Bonifacio
Rinaily is a renowned expert in the field of human resources with years of industry experience. With a passion for writing high-quality HR content, Rinaily brings a unique perspective to the challenges and opportunities of the modern workplace. As an experienced HR professional and content writer, She has contributed to leading publications in the field of HR.
Disclaimer
Please note that the information on our website is intended for general informational purposes and not as binding advice. The information on our website cannot be considered a substitute for legal and binding advice for any specific situation. While we strive to provide up-to-date and accurate information, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the information on our website for any purpose. We are not liable for any damage or loss arising from the use of the information on our website.
Ready to try Shiftbase for free?
