Introduction to Bank and Public Holidays in Ireland 2026
Planning ahead for 2026? Whether you’re in Northern Ireland (part of the UK) or the Republic of Ireland, knowing your bank and public holidays is essential for scheduling holidays, events, or time off work. Northern Ireland observes UK bank holidays, while the Republic has its own set of public holidays. This guide covers all the key dates, substitute days where applicable, and practical tips. Note that while Northern Ireland aligns closely with England and Wales, there are nation-specific variations across the UK.
With Easter in April 2026, expect a four-day weekend from Good Friday to Easter Monday in Northern Ireland – perfect for a spring getaway. We’ll break it down by region for clarity.
Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland 2026
Northern Ireland enjoys 10 bank holidays in 2026, including substitutes for weekend dates. These are public holidays when most businesses close, and many workers get paid time off (check your contract). Here’s the full list:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026 (observed nationwide in the UK).
- St Patrick’s Day: Not a bank holiday in Northern Ireland (unlike the Republic).
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026 (all UK).
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland; not Scotland).
- Early May Bank Holiday (First Monday in May): Monday, 4 May 2026 (all UK).
- Spring Bank Holiday (Last Monday in May): Monday, 25 May 2026 (all UK).
- Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day): 12 July 2026 falls on a Sunday, so substitute bank holiday on Monday, 13 July 2026 (Northern Ireland specific).
- Summer Bank Holiday (Last Monday in August): Monday, 31 August 2026 (England, Wales, Northern Ireland).
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026.
- Boxing Day substitute: Saturday, 26 December 2026 becomes Monday, 28 December 2026 (applicable where Christmas or Boxing Day fall on weekends).
These dates come from official UK government references (gov.uk). Schools and many offices close, but shops may open limited hours.
Long Weekends in Northern Ireland
- Easter break: Fri 3 Apr – Mon 6 Apr (4 days).
- Early May: Fri 1 May – Mon 4 May (if taking Fri off, 4 days).
- Spring: Fri 22 May – Mon 25 May (4 days).
- Battle of Boyne: Sat 11 Jul – Mon 13 Jul (3 days).
- Summer: Fri 28 Aug – Mon 31 Aug (4 days).
- Christmas: Thu 24 Dec – Tue 29 Dec (with subs, up to 6 days if taking extra).
Public Holidays in the Republic of Ireland 2026
The Republic of Ireland has 10 public holidays in 2026, governed by the Organisation of Working Time Act. Good Friday is not statutory, but often observed by businesses. Substitutes apply if a holiday falls on Sunday (next Monday); Saturday holidays are observed on the day without extra substitute.
Full list:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026.
- St Brigid’s Day: Sunday, 1 February 2026 – substitute Monday, 2 February 2026.
- St Patrick’s Day: Tuesday, 17 March 2026.
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026.
- May Bank Holiday (First Monday in May): Monday, 4 May 2026.
- June Bank Holiday (First Monday in June): Monday, 1 June 2026.
- August Bank Holiday (First Monday in August): Monday, 3 August 2026.
- October Bank Holiday (Last Monday in October): Monday, 26 October 2026.
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026.
- St Stephen’s Day: Saturday, 26 December 2026 (observed Saturday; no automatic substitute).
Check citizensinformation.ie for official confirmation. Note similarities like Easter Monday and May Day with Northern Ireland.
Long Weekends in the Republic
- St Brigid’s: Fri 30 Jan – Mon 2 Feb (4 days).
- St Patrick’s: Mon 16 Mar – Tue 17 Mar (2 days; take Mon for 4).
- Easter: Fri 3 Apr – Mon 6 Apr (4 days).
- June: Fri 29 May – Mon 1 Jun (4 days).
- August: Fri 31 Jul – Mon 3 Aug (4 days).
- Christmas: Fri 25 Dec – Mon 28 Dec (4 days, though St Stephen’s Sat).
Key Differences: Northern Ireland vs Republic of Ireland
| Aspect | Northern Ireland (UK) | Republic of Ireland |
|---|---|---|
| Total | 10 | 10 |
| Spring May Holiday | Last Mon May (25 May) | No; June instead (1 Jun) |
| July Holiday | Battle of Boyne (13 Jul) | No |
| August | Last Mon (31 Aug) | First Mon (3 Aug) |
| October | No | Last Mon (26 Oct) |
| St Brigid’s/St Patrick | No | Yes (Feb/Mar) |
| Good Friday | Yes | No (customary) |
| Boxing/St Stephen’s | Sub Mon 28 Dec | Sat 26 Dec, no sub |
Scotland differs too: 2 Jan, no Easter Mon, Summer 3 Aug, St Andrew’s 30 Nov.
What are Substitute Bank Holidays?
In the UK (including NI), if Christmas, Boxing Day, or other fixed dates fall on weekends, the next weekday (usually Mon or Tue) becomes a bank holiday. E.g., Boxing Day Sat 26 Dec → Mon 28 Dec. Good Friday and Easter Monday shift with the lunar calendar.
In the Republic, Sunday holidays shift to Monday; no shift for Saturday.
Employment Rights and Pay
Bank/public holidays aren’t automatically paid days off. In NI/UK, rights depend on your contract – statutory sick pay or holiday pay may apply. Full-time workers get 5.6 weeks paid holiday annually.
In ROI, employees get 10 paid public holidays if worked the day before/after, or a paid day off. Part-timers pro-rata. Disputes? Contact ACAS (UK) or Workplace Relations Commission (ROI).
Planning Tips for 2026
- Book Early: Popular spots like Giant’s Causeway (NI) or Cliffs of Moher (ROI) fill up around Easter (3-6 Apr).
- Bridge Days: Take single days off to extend weekends, e.g., Fri before May 4 for 4 days.
- School Holidays: Align with half-terms; NI Easter ~2 weeks, summer Jul-Aug.
- Travel: Cross-border trains (Enterprise NI-Dublin) run reduced on holidays. Check NI Railways/translink or Irish Rail.
- Events: NI: Twelfth parades 13 Jul; ROI: St Patrick’s festivals 17 Mar.
- Business Owners: Plan stock/inventory around closures.
UK-Wide Bank Holidays 2026 for Context
- All UK: 1 Jan, 3 Apr, 6 Apr (exc Scot), 4 May, 25 May.
- Scotland extra: 2 Jan, 3 Aug, 30 Nov.
- Eng/Wal/NI: 31 Aug.
- NI extra: 13 Jul.
Final Thoughts
2026 offers plenty of opportunities for rest and celebration across Ireland. Easter in early April provides a strong start. Always verify with gov.uk (NI/UK) or citizensinformation.ie (ROI) for updates, as dates are set years ahead but rare changes occur. Use this guide to calendar your year – happy planning!
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