St. Brigid’s Day in Ireland
St. Brigid’s Day, or Lá Fhéile Bríde, is both a feast day associated with Ireland’s patron saint and a public holiday. In Irish folk tradition, it marks the beginning of spring and is linked to Imbolc, while its public holiday date follows a separate rule.[1][2][3]
A spring festival and a saint’s day
The National Museum of Ireland describes St. Brigid’s feast as the traditional start of spring, a time associated with longer days, new growth and new life on farms. The Government describes the day as a celebration of Imbolc and St. Brigid; the relationship between the seasonal festival and the saint’s feast is part of the holiday’s Irish character.[2][3]
The museum records older folk practices intended to seek Brigid’s blessing and protection for households, livestock and crops. These customs reflect the seasonal concerns of rural life: protecting what a family had and hoping for a productive year ahead.[2]
Crosses, food and local customs
Making St. Brigid’s crosses is a well-known custom. The National Museum’s collection includes crosses made in different styles and from materials such as rushes, straw and other natural materials. In folk belief, people hung crosses in homes and farm buildings to invite the saint’s protection.[2]
The museum also records a festive meal of potatoes and butter eaten on the eve of the feast. In some parts of Ireland, groups called Biddy Boys, or Biddy girls, went from house to house carrying an effigy of the saint and collecting food or money for a celebration. Some carried a straw girdle through which people passed, hoping for protection from illness. These are documented folk customs, rather than a claim that every household observes them today.[2]
Public holiday date and work entitlements
Since 2023, Ireland has had a public holiday on the first Monday in February, except when 1 February falls on a Friday; in that case, the holiday is observed on 1 February. This means the public holiday may fall on a different date from the saint’s feast day.[1]
The Workplace Relations Commission explains that eligible employees receive a public holiday benefit. Depending on the employer’s choice, this may be 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 workers qualify immediately; part-time workers qualify after working at least 40 hours in the previous five weeks.[1]
What to expect on the day
A public holiday does not mean every workplace closes. The Commission’s guidance covers entitlements both when a business closes and when it stays open, so employees should check their arrangements with their employer. For visitors, shop and service opening hours can vary; public transport may run on revised schedules, so check the relevant operator before travelling.[1]
St. Brigid’s Day: frequently asked questions
Is St. Brigid’s Day a public holiday in Ireland?
Yes. It has been a public holiday since 2023. Eligible employees receive a public holiday benefit, which may be a paid day off, another paid day off within a month, extra annual leave or extra pay.[1]
When is the public holiday observed?
It is the first Monday in February, unless 1 February falls on a Friday; then the holiday is observed on that Friday. The public holiday date can differ from the saint’s feast day.[1]
Do all workers get the day off?
Not necessarily. Eligible employees receive a public holiday benefit, but the employer may provide an alternative such as extra annual leave or pay. Part-time employees must have worked at least 40 hours in the previous five weeks to qualify.[1]
Are shops and public transport open?
Opening hours and services vary. Check individual shops, services and transport operators before making plans; the public holiday itself does not guarantee that every business will close or follow a particular timetable.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for St. Brigid’s Day in Ireland:
- Public Holidays- Workplace Relations Commission
- Spring- National Museum of Ireland
- Inaugural Saint Brigid’s Day bank holiday cultural programme launched to celebrate women in Ireland- Department of Culture, Communications and Sport