The May Bank Holiday in Ireland is rooted in both ancient Celtic Beltane traditions and modern labor rights movements. Today, it marks the start of summer, with festivals, sports and community gatherings across the country.

When is May Bank Holiday?

May Bank Holiday is celebrated on the first Monday of May.

The following is the list of May Bank Holiday from 2020 to 2049.

The History of May Bank Holiday?

Long before it was a bank holiday, May 1st (May Day) was celebrated in Ireland as Bealtaine (Beltane). It marked the start of summer in the Celtic calendar. Bealtaine was one of the four great Celtic fire festivals (alongside Samhain, Imbolc, and Lughnasadh).

Across Europe, May Day also became associated with workers' rights and the labor movement in the 19th century. It honored struggles for fair working conditions, especially the 8-hour workday.

While Ireland had deep folk traditions for May 1st, the political side of May Day (marches and union rallies) also became important in cities like Dublin.

Ireland officially introduced the May Bank Holiday in 1994. Set for the first Monday in May, it provided a long weekend for workers and families.

This modern bank holiday merged the ancient festival spirit of Bealtaine with the contemporary labor associations of May Day. Today, the May Bank Holiday is seen as the unofficial start of summer.