Parental Leave Rights in Ireland: What Parents Need to Know (2026)

Irish employment law provides a range of leave entitlements for parents — and the landscape has changed significantly in recent years with the introduction of parent’s leave and expanded entitlements. This guide explains each type of parental leave available in Ireland in 2025, what you are entitled to, and how to apply.

Overview of Parental Leave Entitlements in Ireland

There are four main types of leave for parents in Ireland, each with different entitlements and payment arrangements:

  1. Maternity Leave (mothers)
  2. Paternity Leave (fathers/other parent)
  3. Parental Leave (both parents, unpaid)
  4. Parent’s Leave (both parents, with Parent’s Benefit)

Maternity Leave

Mothers are entitled to 26 weeks of basic maternity leave plus 16 weeks of additional unpaid maternity leave under the Maternity Protection Acts. At least 2 weeks must be taken before the expected birth date. Maternity Benefit of €274 per week is payable from the Department of Social Protection during the 26 weeks basic leave, subject to PRSI contributions. For full details, see our pregnancy rights guide.

Paternity Leave

Fathers and the other parent of a child are entitled to 2 weeks of paternity leave under the Paternity Leave and Benefit Act 2016. Paternity leave must be taken within the first 6 months following the birth or adoption. Paternity Benefit of €274 per week is payable from the Department of Social Protection during the 2 weeks, subject to PRSI contributions. You must give your employer at least 4 weeks written notice of your intention to take paternity leave.

Parental Leave

Under the Parental Leave Acts 1998–2019, both parents are entitled to 26 weeks of unpaid parental leave per child, to be taken before the child’s 12th birthday (or before the child’s 16th birthday if the child has a disability). Parental leave is unpaid — there is no state benefit payable during parental leave, though some employers pay full or partial salary as an enhanced benefit. Minimum notice requirements apply.

Parent’s Leave

Parent’s leave is a newer entitlement introduced in 2019 and significantly expanded since. Both parents are currently entitled to 9 weeks of parent’s leave each, to be taken within the first 2 years of the child’s birth or adoption. Parent’s Benefit of €274 per week is payable from the Department of Social Protection during parent’s leave, subject to PRSI contributions. Parent’s leave is separate from and in addition to maternity, paternity, and parental leave.

Adoption Leave

Adoptive parents are entitled to 24 weeks of adoptive leave under the Adoptive Leave Acts — the adopting mother or sole male adopter is the primary person entitled. A further 16 weeks of additional unpaid adoptive leave is also available.

Key Points for All Parental Leaves

  • You must have a certain period of PRSI contributions to qualify for state benefits — check your PRSI record on mywelfare.ie
  • All parental leave rights apply from day one of employment (no minimum service requirement for most types)
  • You have the right to return to your job after any parental leave on terms no less favourable than before
  • Your employer cannot penalise or dismiss you for taking any form of parental leave

Need advice on your parental leave rights? Book a 30-minute consultation with one of our employment solicitors. Also see our pregnancy rights guide and redundancy rights guide.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.