June Bank Holiday in Ireland

The June Holiday (Lá Saoire i mí Mheitheamh) is observed in Ireland on the first Monday of June. People take time to enjoy the spring weather to attend local cultural and sporting events.

Marathons and other sporting events are popular events during the June Holiday. ©iStockphoto.com/millsrymer

What do people do?

The weather in Ireland is often mild and pleasant at the start of June. Hence, many people spend time outside over the June Holiday weekend. Popular activities and events include:

• Picnics and barbeques.
• Open-air concerts of traditional or modern music.
• Family camping, walking or sailing weekends.
• Arts, cultural and musical festivals around the country.
• Marathons and other sporting events.
• Agricultural and garden shows.

Other people use the June Holiday weekend take a short early summer break or vacation in Ireland or abroad.

Public life

Public life is generally quiet on the first Monday of June. Banks, post offices and many businesses and organizations are closed. However, stores and pubs are generally open, although they may open later and close earlier than usual. Public transport service schedules vary depending on where one lives and intends to travel.

Background

The day after Pentecost was traditionally a holiday known as Pentecost Monday or Whit Monday. This enabled people to attend extra church services and organize local fairs and cultural events. Pentecost Monday became a public holiday following the Bank Holidays Act 1871. Following the Holidays (Employees) Act 1973, this holiday was moved to the First Monday of June. The new date was first observed in 1974.

June Bank Holiday Observances

Other holidays in June 2012 in Ireland