Taking time off work isn't just a perk — it's a legal right. Whether you're starting a new job or simply want to know where you stand, understanding your annual leave entitlements in Ireland is key to protecting your work-life balance.

Under the Organisation of Working Time Act, most employees in Ireland are entitled to 4 working weeks of paid annual leave per leave year. Importantly, a "working week" is based on your normal schedule. So if you work 3 days a week, one week of annual leave means 3 days off — not 5.

Your employer can offer more generous leave, but by law, they cannot offer less than this minimum.

Your entitlement is based on how much you work during the leave year — typically 1 April to 31 March, unless your employer uses a different 12-month period. There are three calculation methods, and whichever gives you the greatest entitlement is the one that applies:

If you work at least 1,365 hours in the leave year, you qualify for the full 4 working weeks.

You earn one-third of a working week for each month in which you work at least 117 hours.

You're entitled to 8% of the total hours worked in the leave year, up to a maximum of 4 working weeks.

If you've worked for your employer for at least 8 months, you have the right to take a continuous 2-week block of annual leave — ideal for a proper holiday.

Annual leave is a statutory right, not a favour. If you believe your employer isn't meeting the minimum requirements, you can:

Staying informed is the first step to making sure your rights are respected.