May Bank Holiday in Ireland: Dates and Long Weekend Ideas

The first summer weekend

Ask around and a lot of Irish people will tell you the May bank holiday is their favourite. The weather isn’t guaranteed (it never is), but the evenings stretch out past nine o’clock, the trees have finally filled in, and it feels like the first long weekend of summer rather than the last one of spring.

The holiday is always the first Monday in May. It became a public holiday in 1994, which makes it younger than most of the others, and it lines up with Bealtaine, the old Celtic festival that marked the beginning of summer.

Bealtaine and May Day

Bealtaine was one of the big four festivals of the Irish year. Fires were lit on hilltops, cattle were driven between them for protection before going out to summer pastures, and May bushes (usually hawthorn or whitethorn) were decorated with ribbons and shells. In some rural areas, people still hang a May bush or leave flowers on the doorstep on May Eve.

The first of May is also International Workers’ Day, and the bank holiday is sometimes linked to that tradition. You’ll see the occasional march or rally in the cities, but for most people it’s simply a long weekend.

Why it’s such good value

Here’s the thing about the May weekend: it gives you summer conditions at spring prices. Schools are still in session for the rest of the month, so the big family holiday rush hasn’t started, and hotels on the west coast are usually cheaper than they’ll be in June, July and August. Popular spots still get busy for the weekend itself, but book a few weeks out and you’ll usually have a choice.

If you can take the Friday or Tuesday as well, a four-day break opens up properly far-flung places: Donegal, the Beara Peninsula, the islands off Galway and Mayo. That’s the kind of trip that feels rushed over two nights.

Islands and the Wild Atlantic Way

Seasonal ferries generally ramp up their timetables around May. The Aran Islands, Inishbofin, Cape Clear and Tory are all at their best before the summer crowds, and on a calm day the crossing is part of the fun. Bring cash, a good waterproof and a bit of patience: services can be cancelled at short notice if the sea is up.

On the mainland, the Wild Atlantic Way is wonderful this month. Sliabh Liag in Donegal, the Cliffs of Moher and the Burren in Clare, and the Beara and Dingle peninsulas in the south-west are all quieter than they’ll be in summer. The Burren is a particular treat, with its unusual mix of Arctic and Mediterranean wildflowers in bloom.

• Aran Islands: hire a bike on Inis Mór and cycle out to Dún Aonghasa.
• The Burren: walk among limestone pavements full of spring flowers.
• Donegal: Glenveagh’s gardens and Sliabh Liag’s sea cliffs without the queues.
• Waterford Greenway: a flat, traffic-free cycle along an old railway line.

Festivals and events

The May weekend is the unofficial start of the festival calendar. Agricultural shows begin popping up, outdoor markets reopen, and many visitor attractions and heritage sites move from winter to summer opening hours around now. Check local listings for the area you’re heading to: small food, arts and music festivals are common and rarely advertised far beyond the county.

It’s also the weekend a lot of sailing and rowing clubs launch their seasons, and coastal towns get busy with boats coming back in the water. Walking festivals are another regular feature in places like the Comeraghs, Mayo and Kerry.

Weather, midges and what to pack

May can be lovely, and often drier than the summer months that follow, but nights are still cool, especially near the coast. Pack layers, a fleece and a good rain jacket even if the forecast looks good. Sea temperatures are only around 10 to 12 degrees, so wetsuits are a good idea if you’re planning a swim.

If you’re heading west, bring insect repellent for the evenings. Midges start to appear in sheltered, damp spots as the weather warms up, particularly around lakes and bogs on still evenings.

Staying closer to home

Not everyone wants a long drive. Gardens are at their peak in May, and places like Powerscourt in Wicklow, Mount Usher, and the walled gardens at Kylemore Abbey are worth a detour. Closer to the capital, the Boyne Valley‘s ancient sites and riverside walks make for a relaxed weekend, and Kilkenny is at its best when you can sit outside in the evening.

A short hop abroad

If you’d rather chase guaranteed sunshine, early May is a sweet spot for southern Europe. Lisbon, Porto and Seville are warm without the punishing heat of July, and the big summer crowds haven’t arrived. Flights out on the Friday and back on the Monday are popular, so book early or consider leaving on Saturday morning.

Closer to home, Edinburgh and Copenhagen are pleasant in May, with long evenings and outdoor terraces starting to fill. Check whether the UK early May bank holiday falls on the same Monday (it usually does) because that affects prices in Britain.

Add it to your calendar

Do you get the day off?

Most workers are owed a benefit for every public holiday, but it isn’t always the day itself. Read your public holiday rights.

Frequently asked questions

What’s the weather usually like on the May bank holiday?

Mild and changeable. Daytime temperatures of 12 to 17 degrees are typical, with long evenings. Pack for both sun and rain.

Is the May bank holiday always the first Monday in May?

Yes. In the Republic of Ireland it’s always the first Monday in May.

Is the May bank holiday the same day in Northern Ireland and the UK?

The early May bank holiday in Northern Ireland and Britain is usually on the same first Monday, but the UK has occasionally moved it for special events, so check if you’re travelling.

When did the May bank holiday start in Ireland?

The first Monday in May became a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland in 1994.

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