When is May Day in Ireland?

May Day in Ireland falls on Monday, May 4, 2026.

Is May Day a public holiday in Ireland?

Yes, May Day is an official public holiday in Ireland.

Is May Day a paid day off in Ireland?

Public holidays in Ireland are generally paid days off for employees. However, specific entitlements for May Day may depend on your employment contract and local labor regulations.

What day of the week is May Day in 2026?

May Day falls on a Monday in Ireland in 2026.

Is May Day a fixed or floating holiday?

May Day is a floating holiday, meaning its date changes each year (often based on the lunar calendar or a specific calculation rule).

Does May Day create a long weekend in Ireland?

Yes! Since May Day falls on a Monday, it creates a 3-day weekend (Saturday through Monday).

Is May Day celebrated nationwide in Ireland?

Yes, May Day is observed nationwide throughout Ireland.

What is May Day about?

May Day is a recognized holiday in Ireland (locally known as "Lá Bealtaine"). It is classified as a Public holiday.

When is May Day in 2027?

May Day in Ireland falls on Monday, May 3, 2027 in 2027.

Is May Day always on the same date?

No, May Day is a floating holiday whose date changes each year. May Day may be calculated based on the lunar calendar, the day of the week, or other rules — so the date shifts from year to year.

May Day

Name: May Day 2026
Start: 2026-05-04
End: 2026-05-04
Location: Ireland

Ireland · 2026

in 47 days

Date

May 4, 2026

Day

Monday

Type

Public

Scope

National

Local Name: Lá Bealtaine

About May Day

May Day is an official public holiday observed in Ireland. Like many national holidays, it provides residents with a day off from work and school, allowing time for rest, reflection, and celebration.

The observance of May Day reflects the cultural, historical, or religious traditions that are important to the people of Ireland. Public holidays play a vital role in national identity, giving communities shared moments to come together.

Quick Facts

Date 2026: May 4, 2026
Day: Monday
Type: Public
Scope: National
Fixed Date: No — date changes each year
Local Name: Lá Bealtaine
Traditions: Public ceremonies · Family gatherings · Community events · Day of rest

When is May Day?

Year	Date	Day	Long Weekend?
2025	May 5, 2025	Monday	Yes — 3-day weekend
2026This year	May 4, 2026	Monday	Yes — 3-day weekend
2027	May 3, 2027	Monday	Yes — 3-day weekend

3-Day Long Weekend

Because May Day falls on a Monday, it creates a 3-day long weekend from Saturday, May 2 to Monday, May 4.

How is May Day Celebrated?

May Day is typically observed with public ceremonies, family gatherings, and community events across Ireland. Many people use the day to spend time with loved ones, attend local festivities, or simply enjoy a well-earned day of rest.

Traditions and customs for May Day may vary by region within Ireland. Local communities often organize their own events, and businesses and government offices typically close for the day.

Did You Know?

•May Day is a recognized public holiday in Ireland, providing workers and students with a day off.
•Public holidays like May Day contribute to national identity and provide communities with shared cultural moments.
•The date of May Day may be fixed each year or may vary based on specific calculation rules.
•During May Day, many businesses, government offices, and schools across Ireland are closed.