New Year's Day in Ireland
View the global New Year's Day guide
New Year's Day is an Irish public holiday on 1 January. It is one of the ten public holidays listed by the Workplace Relations Commission, but an employee's statutory benefit does not always mean the next weekday must be taken off when 1 January falls at a weekend.
New Year's Day
Holiday
Ireland
Country
2026
Next Date Year
Thursday
Day
Jan
01
January 1, 2026
New Year's Day Date in Ireland
Date
January 1, 2026
Day
Thursday
Public Holiday
Yes
Bank Holiday
No
Date Confirmed
Yes
New Year's Day Dates in Ireland
New Year's Day 2026
- Confirmed
New Year's Day 2027
- Confirmed
New Year's Day 2028
- Confirmed
History of New Year's Day
The civil new year has long provided a common calendar boundary. Irish working-time legislation expressly includes 1 January among the public holidays that carry an employment benefit.
Importance of New Year's Day
The date gives households, employers and public services a shared start to the year. Eligible employees receive the applicable public-holiday benefit selected under Irish law.
How New Year's Day Is Celebrated in Ireland
People mark the new year with gatherings, walks and community events after New Year's Eve. Many use the quieter day for family visits and rest.
Office Impact
Most government offices and many businesses close, while essential and hospitality services may operate. Employers apply the statutory benefit according to the employee's work pattern.
Bank Impact
Branches generally close and payment processing may move to the next banking day. Online services remain available subject to bank maintenance and settlement arrangements.
School Impact
The date falls during the standard Christmas school break, so schools are normally closed as part of that break as well as the public-holiday period.
Travel Information
Reduced public transport and high demand around New Year's Eve can affect journeys. Check operator timetables rather than assuming a weekday service.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is New Year's Day in Ireland?
It is 1 January.
Is it a public holiday?
Yes. It is one of Ireland's ten statutory public holidays.
Is the next Monday automatically a day off?
No. Weekend public holidays still carry a benefit, but Irish law does not automatically require the next working day off.