In 2025, Ireland’s bank holiday calendar presents a blend of tradition and modernity, offering ten public holidays that reflect the nation’s cultural heritage and evolving societal values. These holidays not only provide well-deserved breaks for workers but also underscore the importance of work-life balance and cultural observance in Irish society.​

Overview of 2025 Bank Holidays

The ten public holidays in Ireland for 2025 are as follows:​

• New Year’s Day – Wednesday, January 1
• St. Brigid’s Day – Monday, February 3
• St. Patrick’s Day – Monday, March 17
• Easter Monday – Monday, April 21
• May Day – Monday, May 5
• June Bank Holiday – Monday, June 2
• August Bank Holiday – Monday, August 4
• October Bank Holiday – Monday, October 27
• Christmas Day – Thursday, December 25
• St. Stephen’s Day – Friday, December 26​

These dates are established under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and are recognized as statutory public holidays in Ireland.​

Introduction of St. Brigid’s Day

A significant addition to the Irish public holiday calendar is St. Brigid’s Day, first observed as a public holiday in 2023. Celebrated on the first Monday of February (or on February 1 if it falls on a Friday), this holiday honors St. Brigid, one of Ireland’s patron saints, and coincides with the traditional Gaelic festival of Imbolc, marking the beginning of spring. The inclusion of St. Brigid’s Day reflects a broader recognition of Ireland’s rich cultural and religious heritage.​

Employee Entitlements

Under Irish employment law, most employees are entitled to benefits on public holidays. These entitlements include:​

• 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​

Part-time employees who have worked at least 40 hours in the five weeks preceding the public holiday are also entitled to these benefits. Employers are required to inform employees of their chosen benefit option at least 14 days before the public holiday.​

Substitute Holidays

When a public holiday falls on a weekend, employees are entitled to a substitute day off. For instance, if St. Stephen’s Day (December 26) falls on a Saturday, as it does in 2026, the following Monday (December 28) is typically observed as the substitute holiday. This ensures that employees do not miss out on their entitled days off due to calendar alignments.

Impact on Services and Scheduling

Bank holidays often lead to changes in public services and business operations. For example, during the May Bank Holiday weekend (May 3–5, 2025), Irish Rail has announced major works on certain rail lines, resulting in the suspension of DART services between Grand Canal Dock and Greystones. Passengers are advised to check schedules and plan accordingly.​

Retailers may also adjust their operating hours during bank holidays. Aldi Ireland, for instance, has indicated that store hours may vary across its locations during the May Bank Holiday weekend, with all stores remaining open but with potential variations in opening and closing times.​

Planning Ahead

Understanding the bank holiday schedule allows individuals and businesses to plan effectively. Employees can maximize their time off by strategically aligning annual leave with bank holidays, while employers can manage staffing and operations to accommodate these periods. Being aware of these dates ensures smoother operations and better work-life balance for all parties involved.​

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