A Locum’s Calendar: When and Where Demand Peaks Throughout the Year

Whether you’re new to locum work or a seasoned professional, one of the greatest advantages of locuming is the flexibility it offers. But with flexibility comes planning. Knowing when and where demand for locum doctors in Ireland is highest can help you maximise earnings, avoid burnout, and align your work with your lifestyle goals.

As we move past the midpoint of the year, now is the ideal time to reassess your availability and take advantage of upcoming seasonal demand surges. Here’s a month-by-month breakdown to help you map out your locum calendar effectively.

January – March: Winter Surge & Respiratory Season

High demand across: Emergency departments, GP practices, elderly care wards, ICU

Why: Winter illnesses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV increase hospital and GP visits. Annual leave carried over from the previous year also creates cover gaps.

Tip: Be prepared for short-notice placements and night shifts—especially in emergency and respiratory settings.

April – June: Annual Leave Cover & Elective Recovery

High demand across: Hospitals recovering elective care backlogs, GP practices, maternity cover

Why: Hospitals ramp up elective procedures after winter. Meanwhile, consultants and GPs begin to take early annual leave.

Tip: These months offer steady work with a slightly more predictable schedule—ideal for building CPD hours or upskilling between shifts.

July – August: The Summer Leave Spike

High demand across: All specialties, especially in rural locations and out-of-hours services

Why: This is the peak holiday period. The July Changeover also sees newly qualified doctors enter rotations, which can leave some facilities temporarily understaffed.

Tip: Book your summer availability early. If you're willing to travel, rural hospitals and clinics offer excellent earning potential and lower competition.

September – October: Back to School, Back to Busy

High demand across: Paediatrics, general practice, student health centres

Why: School reopenings trigger spikes in common childhood illnesses. Many GPs experience increased demand from student health and seasonal vaccines.

Tip: If you have experience in paediatrics or family medicine, this is a good time to pick up consistent hours with less unpredictability than winter.

November – December: Festive Cover & Winter Prep

High demand across: Emergency medicine, aged care, psychiatry, GP out-of-hours

Why: Holidays like Christmas and New Year mean permanent staff take leave. Cold weather increases hospital admissions for vulnerable populations.

Tip: Premium rates are common during this period, particularly for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s shifts.

Regional Variations to Consider

• Urban centres (Dublin, Cork, Galway): More consistent year-round demand but also more competition.
• Rural locations: Often experience sharper seasonal spikes due to staffing shortages and offer greater flexibility.
• Border counties: May offer opportunities influenced by cross-border staffing challenges post-Brexit.

Planning Tips for Locums

• Update your availability regularly with your recruitment consultant.
• Be flexible during peak demand months to increase your chances of landing preferred roles.
• Use quieter months (e.g. May or early September) for training, CPD, or short-term rest.
• Pre-book holiday weeks well in advance if you plan to take time off during low-demand periods.

Final Thoughts

By understanding the peaks and troughs in locum doctor demand, you can better align your career goals with seasonal trends. Whether you're looking to maximise earnings, reduce downtime, or balance life and work, planning your year with this locum calendar can make all the difference.

For more information on working as a locum doctor in Ireland contact a member of our Locum Express team on +353 (0)21 4297901 or email us at info@locumexpress.ie. You can also register online here.