Working Days – Ireland
Ireland has 10 public holidays per year, commonly referred to as bank holidays. When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, Irish employees are entitled to a substitute day off on the following working day. The standard working week is 40 hours.
Annual summary
| Other year | Working days | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 250 | |
| 2026 | 250 | |
| 2027 | 251 | |
| 2028 | 250 |
Need to calculate business days between two specific dates? Ireland business days calculator
Frequently asked questions
What happens when a bank holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday?
When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, Irish employees receive a substitute day off on the next working day (usually Monday). This substitute day carries the same status as the original bank holiday for payroll and leave purposes.
How many bank holidays are there in Ireland each year?
Ireland has 10 public bank holidays every year. These include New Year's Day, St Brigid's Day, St Patrick's Day, Easter Monday, May Day, the first Monday in June, the first Monday in August, the October bank holiday, Christmas Day, and St Stephen's Day.
Is Good Friday a bank holiday in Ireland?
Good Friday is not a statutory bank holiday in Ireland, although it is widely observed and many businesses choose to close. It does not carry the same legal status as the 10 official public holidays.
How should I handle payroll for employees working on a bank holiday?
Under Irish employment law, employees who work on a bank holiday are entitled to either a day off in lieu or additional pay, depending on their contract and company policy. The specific arrangement should be clearly documented in the employment contract or collective agreement.
When did St Brigid's Day become a public bank holiday in Ireland?
St Brigid's Day (1 February) was designated as an official public bank holiday from 2023 onwards. This brought Ireland's total number of public holidays from 9 to 10 per year.