Working days 2026
In 2026 Ireland has a total of 250 working days.
How many working days are there in 2026?
Working days
250
Public holidays
11
9 on weekdays
Other weekday holidays
2
Most: July (23 days) – Least: February (19 days)
Monthly breakdown
January
- Working days:21
- Public holidays:1
- Other weekday holidays:0
Holidays impacting working days
- 01. New Year's Day (THU)
February
- Working days:19
- Public holidays:1
- Other weekday holidays:0
Holidays impacting working days
- 02. St. Brigid’s Day (MON)
March
- Working days:21
- Public holidays:1
- Other weekday holidays:0
Holidays impacting working days
- 17. St. Patrick’s Day (TUE)
April
- Working days:20
- Public holidays:1
- Other weekday holidays:1
Holidays impacting working days
- 03. Good Friday (FRI)
- 05. Easter Sunday (SUN)
- 06. Easter Monday (MON)
May
- Working days:20
- Public holidays:1
- Other weekday holidays:0
Holidays impacting working days
- 04. May Day (MON)
June
- Working days:21
- Public holidays:1
- Other weekday holidays:0
Holidays impacting working days
- 01. First Monday in June (MON)
July
- Working days:23
- Public holidays:0
- Other weekday holidays:0
August
- Working days:20
- Public holidays:1
- Other weekday holidays:0
Holidays impacting working days
- 03. First Monday in August (MON)
September
- Working days:22
- Public holidays:0
- Other weekday holidays:0
October
- Working days:21
- Public holidays:1
- Other weekday holidays:0
Holidays impacting working days
- 26. October Bank Holiday (MON)
November
- Working days:21
- Public holidays:0
- Other weekday holidays:0
December
- Working days:21
- Public holidays:1
- Other weekday holidays:1
Holidays impacting working days
- 25. Christmas Day (FRI)
- 26. St. Stephen's Day (SAT)
- 28. St. Stephen's Day (substitute day) (MON)
Other years
Other countries
Ireland observes 10 public holidays annually, known as bank holidays or public holidays. When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the following working day becomes a substitute day and remains a day off for employees. The standard working week is 40 hours.
Frequently asked questions
What happens when a bank holiday falls on a weekend in Ireland?
When a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the next working day becomes a substitute day and is observed as a day off. For example, if Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, the following Monday is a substitute bank holiday. Employees are entitled to the day off with pay, as if the original holiday had fallen on a weekday.
Is Good Friday a public holiday in Ireland for payroll purposes?
Good Friday is not a statutory public holiday in Ireland, though it is widely observed and many employers grant it as a day off. For payroll and statutory entitlements, it should not be counted as an official bank holiday unless your company policy specifically includes it. You should clarify your organisation's position and communicate this clearly to staff.
When is the August bank holiday in Ireland?
The August bank holiday in Ireland is the first Monday in August. In 2026, this falls on 3 August. This is a fixed date rule that applies every year, making it straightforward to plan payroll and rotas in advance.
How many bank holidays does Ireland have, and when is St. Brigid's Day observed?
Ireland has 10 public holidays per year. St. Brigid's Day on 1 February was added as a statutory public holiday from 2023. This makes it a day off for all employees, and any work carried out on this day should be paid at the appropriate rate according to your employment terms.
How should I handle payroll when an employee works on a bank holiday in Ireland?
Employees who work on a bank holiday are typically entitled to either an additional payment (often at a premium rate) or a substitute day off in lieu, depending on your employment contract and company policy. The statutory position requires that employees receive a day off for each bank holiday; if they work instead, this must be compensated fairly. Always refer to individual employment contracts and your company's bank holiday policy.