Republic of Ireland 2026 Public Holidays Overview
In the Republic of Ireland, what are commonly referred to as ‘bank holidays’ are officially termed public holidays. These are days when most businesses, schools, and government offices close, providing opportunities for rest, family time, and celebrations. For 2026, there are 10 public holidays, with several falling on convenient weekdays, including long weekends around Easter and summer.
This guide provides a complete, accurate list of Republic of Ireland 2026 bank holidays, aligned with official sources. Dates are fixed by legislation, with substitutes applied when holidays fall on weekends (typically moved to the following Monday). We’ve included practical advice for planning travel, events, or business, especially relevant in April 2026 around Easter Monday on 6 April. For UK visitors or those crossing from Northern Ireland, we’ve added comparisons to UK bank holidays.
Whether you’re a resident enjoying extra time off or a British traveller heading to Dublin, Galway, or Cork, understanding these dates helps avoid disruptions and maximise enjoyment.
Full List of 2026 Bank Holidays in the Republic of Ireland
Here’s the complete calendar of public holidays for 2026:
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026
- St Brigid’s Day: Monday, 2 February 2026 (substitute for Sunday, 1 February)
- St Patrick’s Day: Tuesday, 17 March 2026
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026
- May Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 May 2026 (first Monday in May)
- June Bank Holiday: Monday, 1 June 2026 (first Monday in June)
- August Bank Holiday: Monday, 3 August 2026 (first Monday in August)
- October Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 October 2026 (last Monday in October)
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026
- St Stephen’s Day: Monday, 28 December 2026 (substitute for Saturday, 26 December)
Note: Good Friday (3 April 2026) is not a statutory public holiday but is traditionally observed by many with closures in shops, pubs, and transport—plan accordingly.
These dates create several three-day weekends, such as around Easter (Good Friday observed + Easter Sunday + Monday) and Christmas (Fri 25th to Mon 28th).
Key Public Holidays Explained
New Year’s Day (1 January 2026)
Kicking off the year, this holiday marks the start of 2026 on a Thursday. Expect nationwide closures, fireworks in cities like Dublin, and family gatherings. It’s a bank holiday across the UK too (Thursday 1 January), making it seamless for cross-border plans.
St Brigid’s Day (2 February 2026)
A relatively new addition (since 2024), honouring Ireland’s patron saint of newborns and healers. As 1 February falls on a Sunday, the holiday shifts to Monday 2 February. Celebrations include community events and Brídeóg traditions. No direct UK equivalent.
St Patrick’s Day (17 March 2026)
The iconic national holiday on Tuesday 17 March features parades, green attire, and festivities worldwide. Dublin’s parade is massive—book accommodation early. It’s a Tuesday, so a midweek break. Northern Ireland observes it locally but not as a bank holiday.
Easter Monday (6 April 2026)
Falling on Monday 6 April, this aligns perfectly with the UK (England, Wales, Northern Ireland). Good Friday (3 April) adds to the long weekend. Churches, egg hunts, and family meals dominate. Ideal for UK travellers; ferries and flights may be busy.
May Bank Holiday (4 May 2026)
First Monday in May, matching the UK’s Early May bank holiday. Great for garden centres, outdoor activities, or short breaks to the Wild Atlantic Way.
June Bank Holiday (1 June 2026)
Unique to Ireland on the first Monday in June. Popular for festivals like Galway Arts Festival prep or beach trips. UK has Spring bank holiday on 25 May instead.
August Bank Holiday (3 August 2026)
First Monday in August, coinciding with Scotland’s Summer bank holiday. English/Welsh/NI have theirs on 31 August. Expect rose sales, family outings, and All-Ireland hurling finals vibes.
October Bank Holiday (26 October 2026)
Last Monday in October—time for half-term breaks and spooky Halloween lead-ins. No UK match, but handy for autumn travels.
Christmas Period (25 & 28 December 2026)
Christmas Day (Friday) and St Stephen’s (substitute Monday 28 December, as 26th is Saturday) create a four-day weekend. Shops reopen limitedly on 29th. UK mirrors this: Christmas Fri, Boxing Day Sat (substitute Mon 28th).
Comparison: Republic of Ireland vs UK & Northern Ireland Bank Holidays 2026
For context, especially for UK residents visiting Ireland or businesses operating cross-border:
Shared dates:
- New Year’s Day: 1 Jan (all)
- Easter Monday: 6 Apr (Eng/Wales/NI; ROI)
- Early May: 4 May (all UK; ROI May)
ROI unique: St Brigid’s (2 Feb), St Patrick’s (17 Mar), June (1 Jun), Oct (26 Oct)
UK variations:
- Scotland: 2 Jan, no Easter Mon (but substitute possible), Summer 3 Aug, St Andrew’s 30 Nov
- Eng/Wales/NI: Summer 31 Aug
- Christmas/Boxing: Substitute 28 Dec where applicable (all)
Northern Ireland aligns closely with England/Wales but shares Easter with ROI. Scotland diverges more. Use this for planning NI-ROI trips, like Belfast to Dublin.
(Source aligned with official UK gov.uk 2026 projections.)
Planning Tips for 2026 Irish Bank Holidays
Travel Advice
Book flights, trains (Irish Rail), and ferries (e.g., Holyhead-Dublin) well ahead, especially Easter (6 Apr) and August (3 Aug). Roads like M50 Dublin will be congested—use Park & Ride. Popular spots: Cliffs of Moher, Ring of Kerry, Guinness Storehouse.
Business & Events
ATMs, banks, and post offices close; plan cash needs. Many pubs/tourist sites open. Host events? St Patrick’s (17 Mar) or August bank holiday suit festivals.
Employee Rights
Full-time workers get paid day off or liege pay. Part-timers may not. Check Citizens Information for details.
Weather & Activities
April (Easter): Mild, showers—pack layers. August: Warmest, festivals. Christmas: Festive markets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Good Friday and Easter Sunday public holidays in Ireland?
No, only Easter Monday (6 April 2026) is statutory. Good Friday observed traditionally.
How do substitutes work?
If on Sat/Sun/NY Day, moves to next Mon (e.g., St Stephen’s 28 Dec).
Do schools close on all these dates?
Yes, plus mid-term breaks around October.
Bank holidays in Northern Ireland vs Republic?
NI follows UK: no St Patrick’s statutory, different summer date (31 Aug).
Can I travel from UK on these dates?
Yes, but expect crowds. Check NI Direct for NI holidays.
This guide ensures you’re prepared for Republic of Ireland 2026 bank holidays. Total word count positions it as your go-to resource—share with colleagues or save for later!
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