Esther McCarthy: Since when did back to school start in August?

Esther talks about the return of 'The Routine'

Esther McCarthy: When did August become the new September?

Sat, 29 Aug, 2026 - 17:11

Esther McCarthy is a columnist covering the chaos, comedy and complexities of life for Irish women.

Sorry now but emm, when did back to school start happening in August? Was it always this early? I can’t remember last week, never mind last year, but August 26 sounds positively inhumane.

When did August become the new September?

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<p>How are you even supposed to answer 'Are you busy' Picture: iStock</p>

Esther McCarthy: Why the Irish small-talk question ‘Are you busy?’ drives me mad

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Esther McCarthy: Since when did back to school start in August?

Esther McCarthy: Why the Irish small-talk question ‘Are you busy?’ drives me mad

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Esther McCarthy: Since when did back to school start in August?

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Esther McCarthy: Why the Irish small-talk question ‘Are you busy?’ drives me mad

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