June Bank Holiday, or June Holiday, is celebrated in Ireland on the first Monday in June. On this day off, many Irish people go outdoors with their families or friends to enjoy their first summer days and take part in numerous cultural and sporting events.
The historical prerequisite for the establishment of the June Weekend was Spirit Day (Pentecost Monday or Whit Monday), which was celebrated the day after Pentecost and was a day off. With an extra day off on Monday, people could attend church services or spend the day with family.
In 1973, the Spiritual Day holiday was moved to the first Monday in June and, starting in 1974, the official June Day holiday is celebrated.
Usually on the first Monday of June, all public and business life in Ireland freezes — banks, post offices, many commercial organizations and companies are closed. However, all supermarkets, bars and clubs are open to visitors, although on this day they may open later and end earlier than usual.
Interestingly, despite the heavy movement of Irish people on the June holiday, public transport schedules depend on where you live and where you intend to go.
At the beginning of June, the weather pampers the Irish with warm and pleasant days. The most common festive events are picnics and barbecues, concerts of national or modern music outdoors, various cultural festivals, family hikes and numerous sports competitions, various agricultural and garden exhibitions and shows.