Since St. Patrick’s Day occurs on a Sunday this year (March 17), Ireland will have a four-day weekend. Monday, March 18, is the official bank holiday. This is welcome news for many workers across the country who will enjoy an extended break.

St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday celebrating Ireland’s patron saint. While the saint’s life is commemorated worldwide, the bank holiday is unique to Ireland. It is said that St. Patrick, who is thought to have been born in Britain around 386 AD, brought Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century.

Historical accounts suggest he was kidnapped as a teenager and enslaved in Ireland before escaping and eventually becoming the first Bishop of Armagh. 

2024 marks Ireland’s second year with 10 official bank holidays. The newest addition, St. Brigid’s Day (February 1st), is observed on the first Monday of February, making this year’s observance fall on February 5th. 

Here is a list of all the Irish bank holidays in 2024:

According to the Organization of Working Time Act, the majority of companies in the country offer paid time off to their staff on bank holidays. On certain days, schools are also closed.:

• March 16 (St. Patrick’s Day) – March 18, Monday
• Easter Monday: April 1st, Monday
• May Day early a bank holiday on Monday, 
• June 6th Monday, June 3, 
• August Bank Holiday: August 5, Monday, 
• October Bank Holiday: October 28, Monday
• Christmas Day is on December 25, a Wednesday
• December 26th, Thursday, is St. Stephen’s Day