Maximum working time in Ireland (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: The Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 limits the working week to an average of 48 hours, calculated over a reference period of normally up to 4 months. An employee is entitled to 11 consecutive hours of rest in each 24 hours and to 24 consecutive hours of rest in each 7 days.

RuleWhat applies
Maximum average weekly working timeEmployees (adults) in general employment48 hours [1]
Maximum daily working timeEmployees (adults) in general employment⚠ Not yet verified
Minimum daily restEmployees (adults) in general employment11 hours [1]
Minimum weekly restEmployees (adults) in general employmentAt least 24 consecutive hours in each period of 7 days, normally immediately preceded by a daily rest period. The employer may instead give two rest periods of at least 24 consecutive hours in the next following period of 7 days. [1]
Normal full-time working weekEmployees (adults) in general employment⚠ Not yet verified
Individual opt-out from the weekly maximumEmployees (adults) in general employment⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • The average is calculated over a reference period of up to 4 months; up to 6 months for certain activities or where section 5 applies, or as set by an approved collective agreement. Periods of annual leave are left out of the reference period. Exemptions and exclusions (sections 3, 4 and 5) were not assessed.
  • The sections read set no general maximum number of hours per day; the daily limit is shown only through the 11-hour daily rest. Night-work limits (section 16) were not read.
  • 11 consecutive hours in each period of 24 hours during which the employee works for the employer; a different rule applies in some cases (sections 4, 5 and 6, for example shift work and compensatory rest).
  • Section 13(4) allows the timing of the rest period to differ where technical or objective considerations justify it.
  • The Act sets maxima and rest periods and no statutory normal working week; the sections read state none.
  • The Act as read contains no provision for an individual agreement to exceed the 48-hour average, but exemptions and collective agreements (sections 3 to 5, 15(1)(c)) were not assessed in full.

Sources

  1. Law Reform Commission (Revised Acts): Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 (revised, updated to 20 January 2025) (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.