There are a number of national holidays scattered throughout the year in Ireland. Generally day to day life is unaffected by these holidays with establishments and shops etc. operating on Sunday times with the exception of Christmas day when almost everything is shut down. Banks and schools are closed on national holidays and on particular national holidays pubs will be closed or prevented from selling alcohol (Christmas day, December 25th, and Good Friday). National holidays of note include New year's Day, St. Patrick's Day (March 17th), Easter Sunday and Monday, the first Monday in May, first Monday in June, the first Monday in August and the last Monday in October. St. Stephen's Day, or Boxing Day i.e. December 26th is also a holiday and should it fall on a weekend is granted on the next 'working' day in lieu.