Introduction to Bank Holidays in Ireland
Bank holidays in Ireland provide welcome long weekends and opportunities for rest, travel, or family time. Whether you’re in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) or Northern Ireland (NI)—part of the UK—the dates differ slightly due to regional traditions and laws. This guide covers all 2025 and 2026 bank holidays for both, helping you plan ahead. Note: ROI public holidays are set by Irish government legislation, while NI follows UK bank holidays with some local additions like the Battle of the Boyne Day.
Expect most shops, banks, and offices to close on these days. Public transport may run reduced services, and attractions could have shorter hours. Always check locally, especially around Easter and Christmas.
Bank Holidays in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2025
The ROI has 10 public holidays annually, including newer additions like St Brigid’s Day since 2023. Substitutes apply if a holiday falls on a Saturday (next Monday) or Sunday (next Monday).
Full List of ROI Bank Holidays 2025
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2025
- St Brigid’s Day: Saturday, 1 February → substitute Monday, 3 February 2025
- St Patrick’s Day: Monday, 17 March 2025
- Easter Monday: Monday, 21 April 2025
- May Bank Holiday (First Monday in May): Monday, 5 May 2025
- June Bank Holiday (First Monday in June): Monday, 2 June 2025
- August Bank Holiday (First Monday in August): Monday, 4 August 2025
- October Bank Holiday (Last Monday in October): Monday, 27 October 2025
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2025
- St Stephen’s Day: Friday, 26 December 2025
These create several three-day weekends, like St Patrick’s and the summer trio.
Bank Holidays in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2026
Full List of ROI Bank Holidays 2026
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026
- St Brigid’s Day: Sunday, 1 February → substitute Monday, 2 February 2026
- St Patrick’s Day: Tuesday, 17 March 2026
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026
- May Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 May 2026
- June Bank Holiday: Monday, 1 June 2026
- August Bank Holiday: Monday, 3 August 2026
- October Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 October 2026
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026
- St Stephen’s Day: Saturday, 26 December → substitute Monday, 28 December 2026
With Easter early in April 2026, it pairs nicely with the May bank holiday for extended breaks.
Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland (NI) 2025
NI bank holidays align with the rest of the UK, plus the unique Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day). Verify via gov.uk for official confirmation.
Full List of NI Bank Holidays 2025
- New Year’s Day: Wednesday, 1 January 2025
- Good Friday: Friday, 18 April 2025
- Easter Monday: Monday, 21 April 2025
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 5 May 2025
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 26 May 2025
- Battle of the Boyne (12 July Saturday → substitute): Monday, 14 July 2025
- Summer Bank Holiday (Last Monday in August): Monday, 25 August 2025
- Christmas Day: Thursday, 25 December 2025
- Boxing Day: Friday, 26 December 2025
NI workers get similar days off to England and Wales, with Good Friday included.
Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland (NI) 2026
Official UK references confirm these dates:
Full List of NI Bank Holidays 2026
- New Year’s Day: Thursday, 1 January 2026
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026
- Early May Bank Holiday: Monday, 4 May 2026
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday, 25 May 2026
- Battle of the Boyne (12 July Sunday → substitute): Monday, 13 July 2026 (NI-specific)
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday, 31 August 2026
- Christmas Day: Friday, 25 December 2026
- Boxing Day (Saturday, 26 December → substitute): Monday, 28 December 2026
Scotland has extras like 2 January and St Andrew’s Day (30 November 2026 substitute), but not NI.
Key Differences Between ROI and NI Bank Holidays
| Aspect | ROI | NI |
|---|---|---|
| Easter | Easter Monday only | Good Friday + Easter Monday |
| Spring/Summer | June (1st Mon), August (1st Mon) | Spring (late May), Summer (late Aug) |
| October | Last Mon Oct | None |
| Patriotic | St Patrick (17 Mar), St Brigid (1 Feb) | Battle of Boyne (12 Jul sub) |
| Christmas | St Stephen’s (26 Dec) | Boxing Day (26 Dec) |
ROI has more mid-year holidays; NI aligns with UK for payroll and employment rights.
What Happens on Bank Holidays?
Closures and Services
- Shops and Supermarkets: Many close or open limited hours (e.g., 1pm-6pm in ROI). NI follows UK rules allowing Sunday-style trading.
- Banks and Post Offices: Closed.
- Schools: Usually off, especially around Easter.
- Public Transport: Buses and trains run holiday timetables; NI Translink and ROI Dublin Bus confirm schedules.
- Attractions: Popular spots like Giant’s Causeway (NI) or Cliffs of Moher (ROI) stay open but book ahead.
Travel Tips for UK Visitors
Cross-border travel is seamless (no checks post-Brexit CTA). From Great Britain, fly to Dublin/Belfast or ferry to Larne. Book trains via NIR or Irish Rail early for bank holiday peaks. Drive the Wild Atlantic Way or Causeway Coastal Route—scenic but busy.
Planning Your Irish Bank Holiday Breaks
Best Long Weekends
- 2025: St Patrick’s (17 Mar), Easter (21 Apr), August trio potential.
- 2026: Easter (6 Apr) into May (4 May) for 11 days off with annual leave.
Take extra days around these for ‘holiday bridges’. Check employment rights: most get paid time off.
Events and Festivals
ROI: St Patrick’s parades in Dublin (17 Mar). NI: Twelfth parades (July). Christmas markets in both.
FAQs on Ireland Bank Holidays 2025-2026
Are Good Friday and St Stephen’s the same?
No—Good Friday is NI/UK (not ROI statutory), St Stephen’s is ROI Boxing Day equivalent.
Do substitutes always apply?
Yes, per legislation: weekends shift to Monday.
How do they affect pay?
Statutory days off with pay for eligible workers.
Cross-Border Work?
If working across ROI-NI, check contract—holidays may differ.
This guide ensures you’re prepared for 2025-2026. For updates, visit citizensinformation.ie (ROI) or nidirect.gov.uk (NI). Safe travels!
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