First Monday in August in Ireland
The First Monday in August is a public holiday in Ireland, set by law for the first Monday of the month. It is an employment entitlement day rather than a guarantee that every worker has the Monday off: eligible employees receive a public-holiday benefit, which may be given in different ways.[1][2]
Date and legal status
Ireland observes the August holiday on the first Monday of the month. The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 lists it among the public holidays for the purposes of the Act, alongside Easter Monday and the first Mondays in May and June.[2]
The date has roots in the Bank Holidays Act 1871, which named the first Monday in August as a bank holiday in England and Ireland. Today, Irish employment entitlements are set out in the 1997 Act and explained by the Workplace Relations Commission.[3][2]
What the day means for workers
The holiday does not automatically mean a paid day off on Monday for every employee. The employer may provide a paid day off on the holiday, a paid day off within a month, an additional day of annual leave or an additional day’s pay. Full-time employees qualify immediately; part-time employees qualify after working 40 hours in the five weeks before the holiday.[1]
If the public holiday falls on a day that is not normally a working day for the business, an employee still receives a benefit, but there is no legal right to take the next working day off. The Commission also explains that an employee who works on the holiday is entitled to their agreed pay for the day as well as the public-holiday benefit.[1]
How the long weekend is observed
There is no single nationwide ceremony or required custom attached to the August holiday. The long weekend can coincide with local events: Tourism Ireland describes Waterford’s Spraoi International Street Arts Festival as taking place over the August Bank Holiday weekend, with street entertainment and music. Event dates and programmes can change, so visitors should check current details before making plans.[4]
The practical pattern varies by place and business. Tourism Ireland says banks close for Republic of Ireland public holidays, while shops and pubs in urban areas tend to stay open and smaller towns and villages are quieter. Public transport may use restricted schedules or a Sunday service, depending on location.[5]
Frequently asked questions
Is the First Monday in August a day off for everyone in Ireland?
It is a public holiday, but an eligible employee’s benefit may be a paid day off on the date, a day off within a month, extra annual leave or extra pay. The employer chooses the option.[1]
Does the next Tuesday become the holiday if Monday is not a normal working day?
No. Employees remain entitled to a public-holiday benefit, but the Workplace Relations Commission says there is no legal entitlement to take the next working day off.[1]
Are shops and public transport open?
Opening and service levels vary. Tourism Ireland says shops and pubs in urban areas tend to stay open, while public transport may run restricted schedules or a Sunday service. Check local opening times and timetables before travelling.[5]
Sources and references
Sources used for First Monday in August in Ireland:
- Public Holidays- Workplace Relations Commission
- Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997, Schedule 2- Irish Statute Book, Office of the Attorney General
- The Bank Holidays Act 1871- UK legislation.gov.uk
- 13 Great Summer Festivals in Ireland 2026- Discover Ireland, Fáilte Ireland
- Public holidays in Ireland 2026- Tourism Ireland