Ireland Bank Holidays 2025 – Key Dates, Closures & Pay Insights
Ireland Bank holidays are important for businesses, workers, and travelers. In 2025, there are several key dates that you should keep in mind. From St Brigid’s Day in February to Christmas Day in December, each holiday affects business operations, employee pay, and public services.
Professionals planning work schedules and finances need to understand how these holidays impact business closures on bank holidays and what changes are expected. The New Bank Holiday Ireland introduced recently also adds an extra day off. This guide provides detailed insights into these holidays and how they influence different sectors.
Complete List of Ireland Bank Holidays 2025
Knowing the exact dates of Ireland Bank Holidays in 2025 can help you plan your work, travel, and personal time better. Some holidays fall on fixed dates, while others shift depending on the calendar.
Here’s the full list for 2025:
Official Bank Holidays in 2025
- January 1 (Wednesday) – New Year’s Day
- February 3 (Monday) – St Brigid’s Day
- March 17 (Monday) – St. Patrick’s Day
- April 21 (Monday) – Easter Monday
- May 5 (Monday) – May Day
- June 2 (Monday) – June Bank Holiday
- August 4 (Monday) – August Bank Holiday
- October 27 (Monday) – October Bank Holiday
- December 25 (Thursday) – Christmas Day
- December 26 (Friday) – St. Stephen’s Day
Each of these holidays affects business closures on bank holidays, travel plans, and even wages through Bank Holiday Pay Ireland.
Ireland Bank Holidays and Their Importance
Not all Bank Holidays Ireland are the same. Some have deep cultural or historical meaning, while others are simply a day off for most people. But for businesses, workers, and travelers, every bank holiday has an impact.
Let’s break down the most important ones so you know what to expect.
St Brigid’s Day – The New Bank Holiday Ireland Recognizes
St Brigid’s Day is Ireland’s newest bank holiday, added in 2023. It’s observed on the first Monday of February, meaning in 2025, it falls on February 3.
Why does it matter? Besides giving people an extra long weekend, it honors St Brigid, one of Ireland’s most important female figures. Schools, government offices, and many businesses will be closed. However, some retailers and hospitality services may still operate.
For professionals, this means checking how it affects business closures on bank holidays and whether employees qualify for Bank Holiday Pay Ireland if they work.
St. Patrick’s Day – More Than Just a Celebration
St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) isn’t just about parades and green outfits—it’s a global celebration of Irish heritage. But for businesses and workers, it also means major disruptions.
Retail stores may have shorter hours, and public transport on bank holidays often runs on limited schedules. Tourists flood the country, which is great for pubs, restaurants, and hotels. However, employees working that day should check if they’re entitled to extra pay under Bank Holiday Pay Ireland rules.
Easter Monday – A Religious and Public Holiday
Easter Monday (April 21) comes right after Easter Sunday, making it a crucial holiday for families and businesses alike. While it’s a public holiday, not every business shuts down completely.
Most schools, banks, and government offices will be closed, but some retail stores and restaurants may stay open with reduced hours. Public transport on bank holidays like this one usually runs a limited schedule, so plan ahead if you need to travel.
For employees working on Easter Monday, it’s worth checking if they qualify for Bank Holiday Pay Ireland, as some businesses offer extra pay or time off in return.
May Day & June Bank Holiday – What You Should Know
May Day (May 5) and the June Bank Holiday (June 2) are both tied to workers’ rights and the start of summer activities. May Day is widely recognized as a day to celebrate labor movements, while the June Bank Holiday is a favorite for short vacations and family trips.
Businesses in the tourism and hospitality sectors stay busy, while offices, banks, and schools close. Since these are peak travel weekends, expect public transport on bank holidays to be busier than usual.
If you’re working on these days, check your contract—many employers offer extra compensation under Bank Holiday Pay Ireland rules.
August Bank Holiday & October Bank Holiday – Impact on Economy Words)
The August Bank Holiday (August 4) and October Bank Holiday (October 27) are key breaks in the second half of the year. The August Bank Holiday is one of the busiest weekends for tourism, with hotels, restaurants, and attractions packed. On the other hand, the October Bank Holiday signals the start of winter preparations.
While many offices and schools close, retail and hospitality businesses stay open, often with increased demand. If you rely on public transport on bank holidays, expect changes in schedules. Employees working on these days should check if they’re entitled to extra under Bank Holiday Pay Ireland.
Christmas Day & St. Stephen’s Day – The Biggest Holiday Break
Christmas Day (December 25) and St. Stephen’s Day (December 26) are the most widely observed holidays in Ireland. Almost all businesses, banks, and government offices shut down completely. Retail stores remain closed on Christmas Day, but some reopen with major sales on St. Stephen’s Day.
If you rely on public transport on bank holidays, note that services are either unavailable or highly reduced on these two days. For employees working over the holiday period, special rates may apply under Bank Holiday Pay Ireland rules, especially in retail, healthcare, and emergency services.
How Bank Holidays Affect Businesses and Workers
Bank holidays in Ireland don’t just mean a day off—they impact businesses, employees, and even the economy. Whether you run a business or work for one, understanding these effects can help you plan better.
Business Closures on Bank Holidays – What to Expect
Most offices, banks, and government buildings shut down on Bank Holidays Ireland, but retail, hospitality, and healthcare industries often stay open. Restaurants, pubs, and hotels see increased foot traffic, especially during St. Patrick’s Day, August Bank Holiday, and Christmas Day.
If you own a business, planning staff schedules in advance is key. Some businesses adjust their opening hours, while others remain closed to avoid extra payroll costs due to Bank Holiday Pay Ireland requirements.
Bank Holiday Pay Ireland – Who Gets Paid Extra?
Employees working on a bank holiday may be entitled to extra pay or a substitute day off. Under Irish law, employers must offer one of the following:
- A paid day off on the holiday
- An extra day of paid leave
- An additional day’s pay
- A different paid day off within a month
For industries like healthcare and retail, where work continues even on St Brigid’s Day or Easter Monday, checking contracts and company policies ensures fair compensation.
Public Transport on Bank Holidays – What You Need to Know
Traveling on a Bank Holidays Ireland? Don’t assume buses and trains will run as usual! Public transport operates, but with changes that can catch you off guard if you’re not prepared.
Reduced Schedules and Limited Services
On major holidays like St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas Day, and Easter Monday, transport companies reduce their services. Some routes may run less frequently, while others stop entirely, especially on Christmas Day when most transport is unavailable.
For the June Bank Holiday and August Bank Holiday, expect packed buses and trains as people travel for weekend getaways. Checking schedules in advance is the best way to avoid delays.
Higher Demand, Higher Prices
Taxis and rideshares tend to have higher demand, meaning longer wait times and surge pricing. If you’re traveling for St. Stephen’s Day sales or heading to an event, book your ride early.
For those relying on public transport, always check updated timetables. Many transport providers announce bank holiday schedules in advance, so a quick check online can save you time and stress.
Final Thoughts on Bank Holidays Ireland
Bank Holidays Ireland aren’t just days off—they affect businesses, workers, travel, and the overall economy. Whether you’re planning a holiday, managing a business, or working on a bank holiday, knowing what to expect can help you stay prepared.
- For businesses: Plan ahead for business closures on bank holidays and adjust staff schedules accordingly.
- For workers: If you have to work, check your rights under Bank Holiday Pay Ireland to ensure fair compensation.
- For travelers: Keep an eye on public transport on bank holidays, as services may be reduced.
With new additions like St Brigid’s Day, traditional celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day, and major shopping days like St. Stephen’s Day, each holiday brings something unique.
Being informed means fewer surprises—so mark your calendar and make the most of Bank Holidays Ireland in 2025!