🇮🇪 Leave and Benefits in
Ireland
Statutory leave entitlements and mandatory benefits for employers in Ireland — annual leave, sick leave, maternity, paternity and public holidays.
Leave Entitlements at a Glance — Ireland
Annual Leave
20 days
Sick Leave
5 days
Maternity Leave
26 weeks
Paternity Leave
2 weeks
Public Holidays
9 days
13th Month Pay
Not required
Statutory Leave Types
| Leave Type | Entitlement | Paid | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| annual | 20 days | Yes | 100% pay |
| sick | 5 days | Yes | 70% pay |
| maternity | 26 days | Yes | 80% pay |
| paternity | 2 days | Yes | 100% pay |
| parental | 26 days | No | — |
| bereavement | 3 days | Yes | 100% pay |
Public Holidays — Ireland 2026
| Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| New Year's Day | 1 Jan 2026 |
| St. Patrick's Day | 17 Mar 2026 |
| Easter Monday | 6 Apr 2026 |
| May Day | 4 May 2026 |
| June Bank Holiday | 1 Jun 2026 |
| August Bank Holiday | 3 Aug 2026 |
| October Bank Holiday | 26 Oct 2026 |
| Christmas Day | 25 Dec 2026 |
| St. Stephen's Day | 26 Dec 2026 |
Mandatory Employer Benefits — Ireland
Legally required employer contributions and benefits under Ireland law.
| Benefit | Type | Employer Cost | Frequency | Tax Treatment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Auto-Enrolment Pension Launching in 2025. Employer contribution starts at 1.5% rising to 3.5% by year 6 and 6% by year 10. Applies to employees aged 23-60 earning over EUR 20,000/year. | Cash | 1.5% | monthly | Exempt |
Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) Class A Employer PRSI for Class A employees is 11.05% on all earnings with no upper ceiling. Rate increased to 11.15% from October 2024. Covers pension, jobseekers, illness, and maternity benefit. | Cash | 11.05% | monthly | Exempt |
Statutory Sick Pay Employers must pay 70% of normal wages during certified sick leave up to EUR 110 per day. Entitlement rises to 10 days in 2025. Requires 13 weeks of service. | Cash | Varies | monthly | Taxable |
EOR Intelligence
Manage leave compliance in Ireland via EOR.
An Employer of Record administers all statutory leave and benefits on your behalf.
This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Leave entitlements in Ireland are subject to change. Always consult a qualified local employment lawyer.
About This Guide
- \u2713 Sourced from official government publications
- \u2713 Updated monthly — always current rules
- \u2713 For guidance only — not legal advice
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