Irish Public Holidays
Ireland observes ten official public holidays each year. These days are set out in law under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 and are commonly referred to as bank holidays because banks close on them. While most schools, government offices and many private businesses shut their doors, retail, hospitality and some essential services often remain open with reduced hours.
The list below shows the dates for 2025 and 2026, followed by a brief guide to each holiday’s background, typical celebrations and practical tips for visitors.
Irish Public Holidays 2025
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| Wednesday, 1 January | New Year’s Day |
| Monday, 3 February | St Brigid’s Day (Imbolc) |
| Monday, 17 March | Saint Patrick’s Day |
| Monday, 21 April | Easter Monday |
| Monday, 5 May | May Day |
| Monday, 2 June | June Bank Holiday |
| Monday, 4 August | August Bank Holiday |
| Monday, 27 October | October Bank Holiday |
| Thursday, 25 December | Christmas Day |
| Friday, 26 December | St Stephen’s Day |
Irish Public Holidays 2026
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| Thursday, 1 January | New Year’s Day |
| Monday, 2 February | St Brigid’s Day (Imbolc) |
| Tuesday, 17 March | Saint Patrick’s Day |
| Monday, 6 April | Easter Monday |
| Monday, 4 May | May Day |
| Monday, 1 June | June Bank Holiday |
| Monday, 3 August | August Bank Holiday |
| Monday, 26 October | October Bank Holiday |
| Sunday, 25 December | Christmas Day |
| Monday, 26 December | St Stephen’s Day |
Holiday Details & Traditions
- New Year’s Day (1 January) – A quiet day after the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Many people enjoy a traditional Irish breakfast and take the opportunity to make resolutions.
- St Brigid’s Day / Imbolc (first Monday in February) – Introduced as a public holiday in 2023. It marks the arrival of spring and honours Saint Brigid, one of Ireland’s patron saints. Communities often hold craft workshops, music sessions and early‑spring fairs.
- Saint Patrick’s Day (17 March) – Ireland’s national day. Parades, céilí dancing, and a sea of green dominate towns and cities. In Dublin the main parade runs along O’Connell Street; smaller towns host local festivals.
- Easter Monday (date varies) – A movable holiday linked to the Christian calendar. Many families take the long weekend for countryside walks, visits to historic sites and Easter egg hunts.
- May Day (first Monday in May) – Coincides with the ancient Celtic festival of Beltane, celebrating the start of summer. Rural fairs, flower shows and outdoor markets are common.
- June Bank Holiday (first Monday in June) – Marks the beginning of summer. Beaches, coastal drives and open‑air concerts see a surge in visitors.
- August Bank Holiday (first Monday in August) – Known locally as Lúnasa. It is a popular time for music festivals, arts events and a final summer beach holiday before the autumn months.
- October Bank Holiday (last Monday in October) – Aligns with Samhain, the traditional Celtic festival that signals the start of winter. Many towns host Halloween‑themed events and heritage trails.
- Christmas Day (25 December) – A major family holiday with church services, festive meals and gift‑giving. Most shops and offices are closed.
- St Stephen’s Day (26 December) – Also called Boxing Day. In many areas a Wren Day procession (Lá an Dreoilín) takes place, and post‑Christmas sales begin.
Practical Information for Visitors
- Bank closures – All banks are closed on the ten public holidays. ATMs remain operational.
- Schools – Primary and secondary schools are shut on public holidays; university term dates may differ.
- Public transport – Bus, train and ferry services usually run a reduced “Sunday” timetable on holidays. Check the operator’s website in advance, especially for Easter and Christmas periods.
- Retail – Large supermarkets stay open, but many smaller shops and department stores close on Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day. Shopping centres often have limited opening hours on other holidays.
- Healthcare – GP surgeries and pharmacies may operate on reduced hours; emergency services are, of course, fully available.
- Tourist attractions – Museums, castles and heritage sites often have special programmes on Easter Monday and the August Bank Holiday, but may be closed on Good Friday (which is not a public holiday).
Travel Tips Around Holiday Weekends
- Book accommodation early – The May, August and October Bank Holidays are peak domestic‑travel periods; hotels and B&Bs fill quickly.
- Expect higher prices – Flights, trains and car‑rental rates can rise 20‑50 % around Saint Patrick’s Day, Easter and Christmas.
- Plan transport – Reserve seats on intercity trains or buses well in advance, as services can sell out.
- Enjoy the long weekend – Many Irish towns host weekend markets, music sessions and outdoor festivals that are perfect for a short break.
- Check opening times – Before visiting a specific attraction, verify its holiday opening hours on the venue’s website or via the National Parks Service.
How Are the Dates Set?
| Holiday | How the date is decided |
|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | Fixed 1 January; if it falls on a weekend the day is observed on the following Monday. |
| St Brigid’s Day | First Monday in February, unless 1 February is a Friday – then the holiday is on 1 February. |
| Saint Patrick’s Day | Fixed 17 March; if it falls on a weekend it moves to the following Monday. |
| Easter Monday | Determined by the ecclesiastical calculation of Easter (the Monday after Easter Sunday). |
| May Bank Holiday | First Monday in May. |
| June Bank Holiday | First Monday in June. |
| August Bank Holiday | First Monday in August. |
| October Bank Holiday | Last Monday in October. |
| Christmas Day | Fixed 25 December; if it falls on a weekend it moves to the following Monday (or Tuesday if Monday is also a holiday). |
| St Stephen’s Day | Fixed 26 December; same rollover rule as Christmas Day. |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the next bank holiday in Ireland?
For 2025 the next public holiday after New Year’s Day is St Brigid’s Day on Monday 3 February.
What’s the difference between a public holiday and a bank holiday?
A public holiday is a day designated by the government as a paid day off for eligible employees. A bank holiday simply means banks are closed; most public holidays are also bank holidays, but Good Friday is a bank holiday only.
Is Good Friday a public holiday?
No. Good Friday is a bank holiday; many schools and some workplaces close, but it is not a statutory public holiday.
How many public holidays are there in Ireland?
There are ten official public holidays each year.
Are there any special events on St Brigid’s Day?
Communities often organise craft workshops, traditional music sessions and Imbolc‑themed fairs that celebrate the coming of spring.
Where can I find the official list of holidays?
The definitive source is the Citizens Information website: https://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/employment/employment_rights_and_conditions/leave_and_holidays/public_holidays_in_ireland.html.
What should I do if I have to work on a public holiday?
Employees are entitled to either an additional day of annual leave or an extra day’s pay. Check your contract or speak with HR for the exact arrangement.
This guide is intended for both residents and visitors planning time off, travel or simply wanting to understand Ireland’s holiday calendar.