As 2025 approaches, it’s essential to be aware of the bank and public holidays to plan your year efficiently. Along with the dates, understanding your rights regarding paid leave and benefits during these periods can help you make the most of them. Here is everything you need to know about the 2025 bank holidays and your entitlements as an employee or recipient of social welfare benefits.
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The Full List of Bank and Public Holidays in Ireland 2025
Mark your calendar with the following dates:
- Wednesday, January 1 – New Year’s Day
- Monday, February 3 – St Brigid’s Day
- Monday, March 17 – St Patrick’s Day
- Monday, April 21 – Easter Monday
- Monday, May 5 – May Day
- Monday, June 2 – June Bank Holiday
- Monday, August 4 – August Bank Holiday
- Monday, October 27 – October Bank Holiday
- Thursday, December 25 – Christmas Day
- Friday, December 26 – St Stephen’s Day
Special Notes on St Brigid’s Day
Since 2023, Ireland introduced a new public holiday in early February to honor St Brigid’s Day. Generally, this falls on the first Monday of February, unless February 1 is a Friday, in which case the holiday will be on that day.
Your Working Rights for Bank Holidays
Under the Organisation of Working Time Act, the vast majority of employees are entitled to specific benefits when a bank holiday occurs. If a public holiday falls on your regular working day and you are required to work, your employer must provide you with one of the following:
- A paid day off within a month of the holiday
- An additional day of annual leave
- An additional day’s pay
For employees who are not scheduled to work on a bank holiday, these entitlements may still apply depending on the employment contract or specific agreement with the employer.
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Impact of Public Holidays on Social Welfare Payments
If you’re receiving social welfare benefits or Child Benefit, public holidays can influence the timing of your payments. These adjustments often result in early payment to ensure recipients have access to funds without delay. Keep an eye on announcements from relevant authorities like the Department of Social Protection for exact schedules closer to each holiday.
Tips to Maximize Your Holidays in 2025
With some smart planning, you can make the most of your annual leave and public holidays. For instance, strategically taking annual leave around long weekends can help you enjoy extended breaks without exhausting your leave allocation.
For example, by combining four days of annual leave with the Easter holiday period, you can secure a 10-day break. Similarly, August and October bank holidays provide opportunities to extend your downtime with minimal leave usage.
Stay Updated on Changes
It’s crucial to stay informed about any updates or announcements related to public holidays and their impact on your work or benefits. Bookmark this guide and revisit it periodically to ensure you’re up to date.
Make 2025 a year to remember by planning your holidays and understanding your rights. Whether it’s a long weekend getaway or simply taking time to relax, knowing these details will help you maximize the benefits of Ireland’s public holidays.