St Patrick’s Day, which was founded by the Irish and propelled into popularity in the United States, is upon us once more. The March 17 date is used to commemorate the date of St Patrick’s death in 461 AD. The Saint was known for escaping Roman slavery in the early second century before introducing Christianity to Ireland, and a number of myths surround him including driving snakes out of the country and using a shamrock to explain the Trinity. St Patrick’s Day was first celebrated by feasts and revelling but has evolved over the year to include a night (or two) of heavy drinking.
Is St Patrick’s Day a bank holiday?
St Patrick’s Day is celebrated as a bank holiday.
However, it is only a bank holiday in Ireland, given the particular cultural significance.
Normally a bank holiday would qualify workers for a day off if it falls during a weekday.
March 17 this year is a Sunday, meaning banks are already closed.
When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, this usually means workers might get one day off before or after the weekend, however this year it is not the case.
According to Money Guide Ireland, workers do not have an automatic entitlement to have the next working day after a bank holiday off.
The next time people have a day off on a weekday will be during Easter this year.
Here is a list of upcoming bank holidays in 2019:
– Good Friday, April 19
– Easter Monday, April 22
– Early May bank holiday May 6
– Spring bank holiday May 27
– Summer bank holiday August 26
– Christmas Day December 25
– Boxing Day December 26