St Patrick's Day. News. Bank holidays confirmed in Ireland in 2024 - Full list as March St Patrick’s Day break imminent Bank holidays confirmed in Ireland in 2024 - Full list as March St St. Patrick’s Day 2025 falls on Monday March 17th and it is a Public Holiday in Ireland. It is a requirement that full-time employees, and eligible part-time employees, are given their public holiday statutory entitlement for Monday 17th March 2025. Bank holidays in Ireland include: New Year’s Day (1 January), the first Monday in February, or 1 February if the date falls on a Friday, Saint Patrick’s Day (17 March), Easter Monday, the first Monday in May, the first Monday in June, the first Monday in August, the last Monday in October, Christmas Day (25 December), and Saint Stephen’s St. Patrick's Day became an official public holiday in Ireland in 1903 with the passing of the Bank Holiday (Ireland) Act 1903, which was introduced by Irish MP James O'Mara. In 1927, O'Mara introduced the law that banned the sale of alcohol on St. Patrick's Day to prevent drinking on a religious holiday. There are 10 public holidays in Ireland each year (increased from 9 in 2022). Public holidays may commemorate a special day or other event, for example, Saint Patrick's Day (17 March) or Christmas Day (25 December). Since 2023, there has been a new annual public holiday in early February to mark St Brigid’s Day. The public holiday is the Monday, March 17 is St. Patrick's Day, celebrating all things Irish in the U.S. and around the world. Cities celebrate with parades, bar crawls and more. In 2024, St Patrick’s Day holiday will take place on Monday, the 18th of March. How many bank holidays are there in 2026 in Ireland? In 2026 , Ireland will have 10 public bank holidays , which are commonly observed and celebrated across the country on specific, set dates. Bank holidays in Ireland include: New Year’s Day (1 January), the first Monday in February, or 1 February if the date falls on a Friday, Saint Patrick’s Day (17 March), Easter Monday, the first Monday in May, the first Monday in June, the first Monday in August, the last Monday in October, Christmas Day (25 December), and Saint Stephen’s Day (26 December). Cultural Significance of Bank Holidays in Ireland. Bank holidays in Ireland aren’t just about time off—they’re deeply connected to the country’s cultural and historical identity. From honoring St. Patrick, Ireland’s patron saint, to celebrating the arrival of spring on St. Brigid’s Day, these days reflect the rhythms of Irish life. Saint Patrick's Day in Ireland in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Discover the rich history, vibrant traditions, and cultural significance of St. Patrick's Day in Ireland. St Patrick's Day became a public holiday in Ireland due to the Bank Holiday (Ireland) Act 1903. It is also celebrated around the world , particularly in the United States , the United Kingdom , Australia , and Canada . Is St. Patrick’s Day a Public Holiday in Northern Ireland? St. Patrick’s Day is a public and bank holiday in Northern Ireland, meaning that most businesses, schools, and government offices close for the day. It is recognized as a bank holiday under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 and is observed annually on March 17. Why is St. Patrick's Day a bank holiday in Ireland? St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) celebrates St. Patrick , the patron saint of Ireland, who is credited with bringing Christianity to the island. It is a day filled with parades, cultural events, and celebrations of Irish heritage. Some of the most notable bank holidays in Ireland include New Year’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. These holidays may vary slightly depending on the region of Ireland and may also be subject to change. For example, St St. Patrick's Day became an official public holiday in Ireland in 1903 with the passing of the Bank Holiday (Ireland) Act 1903, which was introduced by Irish MP James O'Mara. In 1927, O'Mara introduced the law that banned the sale of alcohol on St. Patrick's Day to prevent drinking on a religious holiday. Like the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland also has 10 official bank holidays. Six of these fall on the same day as Irish bank holidays, but there are a few differences to be aware of. Check out our UK bank holidays article for more details on these dates. Wednesday 1 January – New Year’s Day; Monday 17 March – St. Patrick’s Day Year Date Day Holiday; 2025: 17 Mar: Mon: Saint Patrick's Day: 2026: 17 Mar: Tue: Saint Patrick's Day: 2027: 17 Mar: Wed: Saint Patrick's Day: Please scroll down to end of page for previous years' dates. It's a day for people to come together, not only to celebrate Irish heritage and culture, but also a day of coming together, of unity and friendship. Interestingly, the largest St. Patrick's Day parade is not held in Ireland, but in New York City, reflecting the global reach and influence of this uniquely Irish holiday. Bank holidays in Ireland include: New Year’s Day (1 January), the first Monday in February, or 1 February if the date falls on a Friday, Saint Patrick’s Day (17 March), Easter Monday, the first Monday in May, the first Monday in June, the first Monday in August, the last Monday in October, Christmas Day (25 December), and Saint Stephen’s Bank Holidays Ireland 2024. Ireland has several bank holidays throughout the year, during which banks and many businesses are closed. In 2024, these holidays include 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, and Christmas Day.
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