Public holiday pay in Ireland is governed by the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997, which entitles all employees to one of four options when a public holiday falls: a paid day off, an additional day of annual leave, a day’s pay, or a paid day off within a month. Understanding which option applies — and how to calculate the payment — is essential for Irish employers.
This guide covers the nine Irish public holidays, explains the four entitlement options, and shows you how to calculate public holiday pay for different types of employees.
This article is general information, not legal advice.
Key Takeaways
- Ireland has nine public holidays per year
- Employees are entitled to one of four options for each public holiday
- The relevant daily pay or average daily pay is used for calculation
- Part-time and irregular workers have specific calculation rules
- Employees must have worked a minimum of 40 hours in the previous 5 weeks to qualify
Irish Public Holidays (2026)
| Holiday | 2026 Date |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | 1 January |
| St Brigid’s Day | 2 February |
| St Patrick’s Day | 17 March |
| Easter Monday | 6 April |
| May Day | 4 May |
| June Bank Holiday | 1 June |
| August Bank Holiday | 3 August |
| October Bank Holiday | 26 October |
| Christmas Day | 25 December |
| St Stephen’s Day | 26 December |
Note: St Brigid’s Day became a public holiday in 2023, bringing the total to 10.
The Four Entitlement Options
When a public holiday falls, the employee is entitled to one of the following:
Option 1: A Paid Day Off
The employee does not work on the public holiday and receives their normal pay for the day. This is the most common arrangement.
Option 2: An Additional Day of Annual Leave
The employee works on the public holiday and receives an additional day of annual leave to be taken at a later date.
Option 3: A Day’s Pay
The employee works on the public holiday and receives a day’s pay in addition to their normal wages for the hours worked.
Option 4: A Paid Day Off Within a Month
The employee works on the public holiday and receives a paid day off within one month of the public holiday.
The employer can choose which option to offer, but must offer at least one. The employee does not get to choose (unless the contract provides for a choice).
Who Qualifies?
Minimum Service Requirement
To qualify for public holiday entitlements, an employee must have worked at least 40 hours in the five weeks immediately before the public holiday.
Types of Employees
| Employee Type | Entitled? |
|---|---|
| Full-time | Yes |
| Part-time | Yes (if 40-hour threshold met) |
| Temporary | Yes (if 40-hour threshold met) |
| Agency | Yes (through the agency) |
| Interns | Yes (if paid and 40-hour threshold met) |
| Independent contractors | No |
Calculating Public Holiday Pay
Relevant Daily Pay
The standard method uses the employee’s relevant daily pay — what they would have earned on the day of the public holiday.
Formula: Relevant daily pay = (Total wages in the 4 weeks before the holiday) ÷ (Number of days worked in those 4 weeks)
Average Daily Pay
For employees with irregular hours, use average daily pay:
Formula: Average daily pay = (Total wages in the 52 weeks before the holiday) ÷ (Number of days worked in those 52 weeks)
Example Calculation
Employee: Works 3 days per week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) Total wages in 4 weeks: €2,400 Days worked in 4 weeks: 12 Relevant daily pay: €2,400 ÷ 12 = €200
If the public holiday falls on a Monday (their working day), they receive €200 for the day off.
Public Holiday Falls on a Non-Working Day
If the public holiday falls on a day the employee would not normally work:
- The employee is not entitled to a paid day off
- Unless the contract provides for it
- Some employers offer an alternative day off as a goodwill measure
Employees Who Work on the Public Holiday
If an employee works on a public holiday, they are entitled to one of:
- A day’s pay on top of their normal wages for the hours worked
- An additional day of annual leave
- A paid day off within one month
Calculation for Working on a Public Holiday
Example: Employee earns €200/day, works 8 hours on St Patrick’s Day at €25/hour
- Normal pay for 8 hours: €200
- Plus day’s pay (Option 3): €200
- Total: €400
Common Mistakes
Not Offering Any Option
Employers must offer at least one of the four options. Failing to provide any entitlement is a breach of the Organisation of Working Time Act.
Using the Wrong Calculation Method
Relevant daily pay is the standard method. Average daily pay should only be used when relevant daily pay cannot be determined.
Not Qualifying Part-Time Workers
Part-time workers are entitled to public holiday pay if they meet the 40-hour threshold. Denying them entitlement because they are part-time is unlawful.
Deducting Public Holidays from Annual Leave
A public holiday during annual leave is not annual leave. The public holiday should be treated separately and not deducted from the leave balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many public holidays does Ireland have?
Ireland has 10 public holidays per year: New Year’s Day, St Brigid’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, Easter Monday, May Day, June Bank Holiday, August Bank Holiday, October Bank Holiday, Christmas Day, and St Stephen’s Day.
Can an employer choose not to give a day off?
Yes. The employer can offer any of the four options. The employee does not have the right to choose which option applies.
Do part-time workers get public holiday pay?
Yes, if they have worked at least 40 hours in the five weeks before the public holiday. The pay is calculated based on their relevant daily pay.
What if I’m on sick leave during a public holiday?
If you’re on certified sick leave and the public holiday falls during that period, you are entitled to public holiday pay. The sick leave day is not deducted.
Can my employer require me to work on a public holiday?
Yes, but they must offer one of the four entitlement options (day off, additional annual leave, day’s pay, or paid day off within a month).