Bank Holidays Ireland 2026: Your Essential Guide
Planning ahead for 2026? Knowing the bank holidays in Ireland is crucial for businesses, employees, travellers, and families. In the Republic of Ireland, these are officially termed ‘public holidays’, but they’re commonly known as bank holidays. They provide welcome breaks, long weekends, and opportunities for travel or relaxation.
This guide covers every bank holiday in Ireland for 2026, with exact dates and days of the week. We’ll also compare them to those in Northern Ireland (part of the UK) and the rest of the UK, highlight long weekends, and offer practical advice. Dates are based on official calculations, including substitutes for holidays falling on weekends.
Whether you’re Irish-based or planning a trip from the UK, this resource ensures you’re prepared. Note: Good Friday (3 April 2026) is not a statutory public holiday in the Republic but is widely observed with closures.
Full List of Bank Holidays in Ireland 2026
Here’s the complete calendar of public holidays in the Republic of Ireland for 2026:
| Date | Day of Week | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day |
| 2 February | Monday | St Brigid’s Day (substitute for Sunday 1 February) |
| 17 March | Tuesday | St Patrick’s Day |
| 6 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 4 May | Monday | May Bank Holiday (first Monday in May) |
| 1 June | Monday | June Bank Holiday (first Monday in June) |
| 3 August | Monday | August Bank Holiday (first Monday in August) |
| 26 October | Monday | October Bank Holiday (last Monday in October) |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day |
| 28 December | Monday | St Stephen’s Day (substitute for Saturday 26 December) |
These 10 holidays offer a mix of fixed dates and moveable feasts. Most fall on Mondays, creating three-day weekends.
Key Highlights and Long Weekends
- New Year’s Day (1 Jan, Thu): Kicks off the year. If you’re working, check for a four-day weekend if 2 Jan is off.
- St Brigid’s Day (2 Feb, Mon): A newer addition (since 2023), celebrating Ireland’s patron saint. Perfect three-day break.
- St Patrick’s Day (17 Mar, Tue): National celebrations abound. Bridge to a long weekend by taking Monday off.
- Easter Monday (6 Apr, Mon): Follows Good Friday (3 Apr), often a four-day holiday period.
- May Bank Holiday (4 May, Mon): Ideal for spring getaways.
- June Bank Holiday (1 Jun, Mon): Mid-summer start, great for festivals.
- August Bank Holiday (3 Aug, Mon): Traditional family holiday, beaches and barbecues.
- October Bank Holiday (26 Oct, Mon): Autumn break before Halloween.
- Christmas Period: 25 Dec (Fri) and 28 Dec (Mon) create a festive four-day stretch, with many taking 24-31 off.
Long weekends include natural three-dayers on most Mondays, plus potential bridges around St Patrick’s and Christmas.
What Happens on Bank Holidays in Ireland?
On these days:
- Banks and Post Offices: Closed.
- Shops: Many close or have reduced hours; supermarkets often open limited.
- Schools and Colleges: Closed.
- Public Transport: Reduced services; plan ahead.
- Businesses: Statutory entitlement to a paid day off for employees with sufficient service (under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997). Employers may require work with time off in lieu or double pay.
Self-employed? No automatic holiday, but it’s a good day to unplug. Tourists note: attractions like Guinness Storehouse may close or limit access.
Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland 2026: Key Differences
Ireland is divided: the Republic (independent) and Northern Ireland (UK). Bank holidays differ significantly. Northern Ireland aligns closely with England and Wales.
Northern Ireland 2026 bank holidays (from official UK sources):
- New Year’s Day: Thursday 1 January
- Good Friday: Friday 3 April
- Easter Monday: Monday 6 April
- Early May: Monday 4 May
- Spring Bank Holiday: Monday 25 May
- Summer Bank Holiday: Monday 31 August
- Christmas Day: Friday 25 December
- Boxing Day substitute: Monday 28 December (as 26 Dec is Saturday)
Key contrasts with Republic of Ireland:
- No St Brigid’s, St Patrick’s, June, October holidays.
- Adds Spring Bank Holiday (25 May) instead of June.
- Summer holiday later (31 Aug vs 3 Aug).
- Battle of the Boyne (12 July) is a bank holiday in NI only if not weekend; 2026 it’s Sunday, so no substitute listed.
If crossing the border, note these variances for work or travel.
UK-Wide Bank Holidays 2026 for Comparison
For context, here’s the full UK picture:
All UK:
- New Year’s Day: 1 Jan (Thu)
- Good Friday: 3 Apr (Fri)
- Early May: 4 May (Mon)
- Spring: 25 May (Mon)
England, Wales, Northern Ireland:
- Easter Monday: 6 Apr (Mon)
- Summer: 31 Aug (Mon)
Scotland only:
- 2 January (Fri)
- Summer: 3 Aug (Mon)
- St Andrew’s Day: 30 Nov (Mon)
Christmas:
- 25 Dec (Fri); 26 Sat → 28 Dec (Mon) substitute where applicable.
Scotland’s August holiday matches Ireland’s, aiding cross-channel planners.
Planning Tips for 2026 Bank Holidays
For Businesses and Employees
Request holidays early. Use ‘bridge days’ (e.g., Fri after Thu holiday) for extended breaks. Track via citizensinformation.ie.
Travel from the UK
Flights/ferries busier—book early. Stena Line or Irish Ferries for UK-Ireland routes. Visit during quieter holidays like February or October. UK visitors: no border checks post-Brexit for holidays.
Events and Festivals
- St Patrick’s: Parades in Dublin.
- August: Galway Arts Festival.
- Christmas markets from late November.
Calendar Integration
Download ICS file or use Google Calendar. Apps like TimeTree sync family schedules.
History of Bank Holidays in Ireland
Bank holidays originated in the UK Bank Holidays Act 1871. Ireland adopted similar post-independence (1922). Recent additions: St Brigid’s Day (2023) for gender balance (previously male saints dominated). Dates tied to Christian calendar (Easter) and worker protections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bank holidays paid in Ireland?
Yes, for qualifying employees (13 weeks service). Details via gov.ie.
Do shops open on bank holidays?
Varies; convenience stores yes, large retailers often no.
Northern Ireland vs Republic?
See comparison above—NI follows UK model.
2026 Easter dates?
Good Friday 3 Apr, Easter Mon 6 Apr.
This guide (updated April 2026 context) ensures accuracy. Verify gov.ie for last-minute changes. Plan smartly for a holiday-filled 2026!
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