Parental Leave Notice Letter Ireland – Free Template (26 Weeks)
Use this free parental leave letter Ireland (Ireland): fill it in online, download it as Word or PDF, and follow our step-by-step guide – where to send it, whether it needs notarizing, what to attach and mistakes to avoid.
| Country | 🇮🇪 Ireland |
|---|---|
| Document type | Jobs & HR |
| Format | Word, PDF & fill in online |
| Cost | Free |
| Time to complete | about 5 minutes |
| Notarization | Not required |
What is this letter for?
Each parent is entitled to 26 weeks of unpaid parental leave per child before the child turns 12. You must give your employer written notice at least six weeks before the leave starts, with the dates and how you will take it (continuous or in separate blocks).
Where do you send it?
Give the written notice to your employer (HR or manager).
Does it need to be notarized?
Not required. No solicitor or commissioner for oaths is needed: sign the letter yourself and keep proof of when it was sent or delivered.
What you need before you start
- Child’s name and date of birth
- Start and end dates
- Continuous or split leave
How to use this template
- Click each yellow field inside the letter and type your details directly (Enter jumps to the next field).
- Read the text through; the “Edit” button lets you change any sentence.
- Click “Word”, “PDF” or “Copy”, then sign and send.
Free template : parental leave letter Ireland
Your full name
Address line 1
Town / City, Eircode
Phone | Email
Today’s date
Manager name
Company name
Company address
Re: Notice of parental leave
Dear Recipient name,
I am writing to give notice that I intend to take parental leave under the Parental Leave Acts in respect of my child, Child’s name, born on Date of birth.
I plan to take number weeks of leave from Start date to End date as one continuous block / in the following pattern: ….
I attach a copy of the birth certificate. Please confirm the arrangement in writing.
Yours sincerely,
Your full name
⚠️ Disclaimer: this template is for general guidance only and is not legal advice. Always check the requirements of the organization you are writing to before sending it.
Common mistakes to avoid
- ❌ Notice less than six weeks.
- ❌ Not attaching evidence of the child’s age.
- ❌ Confusing parental leave with parent’s leave.
Tips before you send it
- Give at least six weeks’ notice.
- Attach the birth certificate.
- Sign a confirmation document with your employer.
Frequently asked questions
How much parental leave can I take?
Up to 26 weeks per child until the child turns 12 (16 for a child with a disability).
Is parental leave paid?
Parental leave is unpaid; parent’s leave and benefit are separate.
Where do I send this letter (parental leave letter Ireland)?
Give the written notice to your employer (HR or manager).
Does this letter (parental leave letter Ireland) need to be notarized?
Not required – No solicitor or commissioner for oaths is needed: sign the letter yourself and keep proof of when it was sent or delivered.