August Bank Holiday is one of the oldest bank holidays in Ireland and dates back to the creation of bank holidays under the UK Bank Holidays Act of 1871. This holiday is observed on the first Monday in August and is known as “Lá Saoire i mí Lúnasa” in Gaelic. As is the case for all bank holidays, this day is a public holiday.
That means that the general population has a day off, and schools and businesses are closed for the day. This creates a nice little 3-day weekend for most people and they capitalize on this fact by taking a short vacation or visiting one of the many cultural events all across Ireland.
The History Of August Bank Holiday In Ireland
In the United Kingdom, the Bank Holidays Act of 1871 established bank holidays (public holidays) in addition to those holidays that were already in effect. This Act would establish four bank holidays in England, Wales, and Ireland.
These bank holidays were Easter Monday, Whit Monday, the first Monday in August, and December 26th (if that day is a weekday). Good Friday and Christmas weren’t included in this Act because they were seen as a traditional rest day. Although the 1871 Bank Holiday Act was repealed in 1971, this holiday was preserved in the 1971 Banking and Financial Dealings Act. This Act remains in force to this day.
Observing August Bank Holiday In Ireland
On this holiday, a number of sporting events and cultural events take place all across Ireland. This gives people a chance to do something really enjoyable on their day off. Some of these events include cycling and horse racing, art exhibitions, concerts, local fairs, agricultural shows, and musical festivals.
People also use the day off to spend time with family and/or friends. And since it’s a bank holiday, businesses, banks, and non-essential government offices are closed on this day.
When is August Bank Holiday in Ireland? |
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| This year (2023) | August 7 (Monday) |
| Next year (2024) | August 5 (Monday) |
| Last year (2022) | August 1 (Monday) |