As 2026 is approaching, it’s the perfect time to check the full list of the bank holidays in Ireland. Don’t forget to add them to your calendar! We’ve also shared some ideas on how to celebrate the most important holidays in Ireland – read on and get inspired!
Calendar of public holidays in Ireland
What you should know about national holidays in Ireland
What to do on public holidays in Ireland
FAQ — Bank holidays in Ireland
Calendar of public holidays in Ireland
How many bank holidays are in Ireland? In 2026, there will be 10 Irish public holidays, giving citizens plenty of opportunities to rest and spend time with their families.
Ireland, bank holidays 2026
| Date | Irish bank holidays |
|---|---|
| January 1st | New Year’s Day |
| February 2nd | St. Brigid's Day |
| March 17th | St. Patrick’s Day |
| April 6th | Easter Monday |
| May 4th | May Day |
| June 1st | June Bank Holiday |
| August 3rd | August Bank Holiday |
| October 26th | October Bank Holiday |
| December 25th | Christmas Day |
| December 26th | St. Stephen's Day |
St. Stephen's Day falls on Saturday, a weekend. In such cases, workers still have a right to benefit from the bank holidays in Ireland. The benefit can come in the form of payment or an additional day off. Ask your employer about the details – the government leaves it to businesses to decide. To learn more about your rights regarding the public holidays in Ireland, jump here.
Tips:
What you should know about national holidays in Ireland
Most businesses and schools are closed
Shops, banks, stores and many public facilities don’t work in Ireland during national holidays. What it means to you:
- Buy groceries in advance. Preferably several days before the Irish public holidays to avoid crowds.
- Visit embassies and migration centres in advance. Especially if you have burning deadlines for permit/visa extensions or passport renewals.
- Try to book a doctor’s appointment before the holidays.
Transport operates even during Irish bank holidays, but its working schedule may be restricted.
Good Friday is not an Irish national holiday
Good Friday (April 3d) is a normal working day. Some businesses and schools close on that day, but it’s not obligatory, so you have to clarify with your boss whether you’re exempt from work or not.
The date of Easter moves every year
Easter is one of the most unique bank holidays in Ireland. Its date is linked to lunar phases: Easter happens on the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after March 21st. Sounds complicated, we know. The key takeaway here is that Easter can be celebrated anywhere between March 22nd and April 25th. In 2026, the date is April the 6th.
Nuances for part-time workers
As a part-time worker, you can enjoy the benefits of the bank holidays in Ireland only if you've worked for at least 40 hours in the last 5 weeks for your employer. If not, you won’t receive any payments.
In Ireland, bank holidays practices are well-described on the official website, where you can search for answers to most questions.
Sending money home
As an expat, you may want to share the celebration spirit with your family. While banks are closed during public holidays in Ireland, you can make a transfer via Profee, an online service available 24/7 as long as you're connected to the Internet. Profee is officially licensed, holds the PCI DSS Level 1 Certification – a testament to its safety, comparable to that of leading world banks – and actively monitors fraud activities to keep your funds secure. Join and enjoy smooth and beneficial transfers that make bank holidays in Ireland even happier.
What to do on public holidays in Ireland
In Ireland, bank holidays are celebrated differently. Some prefer raucous gatherings, others spend their time in silence and reflection. We’ve collected ideas on how to make some of the most important holidays in Ireland unforgettable.
New Year’s Day
In Ireland, bank holidays in 2026 start with the New Year. This day is filled with warm hugs, hope, and expectations of a pleasant future. Irish people don't exchange gifts on this day, as they usually do on Christmas. So, how can we make New Year's Day more exciting?
- Swim at the Forty Foot. Yes, in the winter. Test your bravery and try diving into the cold water with other challengers. Even if you fail, at least you tried and had some fun; it’d be a story worth telling to your friends and family. Or simply explore top hiking destinations without getting wet.
- Deep clean your house. It’s an Irish tradition linked to removing all the evil from your life and making room for good things that will certainly come in the future year. From a more practical perspective, cleansing helps to reduce stress, collect your thoughts and prepare the flat for the next round of eating and drinking after Christmas.
- Visit concerts and festivals. They are usually held in Dublin near the Castle and are family-friendly, so bring your children to make their celebration more magical.
- Explore art. Even though most museums are closed during the bank holidays in Ireland, some are ready to guide you into the world of art. For example, you can plan a visit to the National Gallery of Ireland; some exhibitions are free, making it even more tempting to see.
- Eat big portions. In the past, Irish people believed that if you ate huge portions on the last day of the year, the next one would be full of delicious treats. So, don't feel ashamed when cooking enormous meals during New Year's Day – you're securing your prosperity in 2026!
Easter Monday
Some say that Easter is valued even more than Christmas in Ireland. It’s an open question of which Irish bank holidays are the most awaited ones, but Easter is definitely a big thing in the country. Check these celebration ideas:
- Decorate eggs. Hard-boil eggs and dye them with natural colours – it's a symbol of new life and rebirth. You can turn it into a game by starting a competition between your family members or roommates: decide who has the prettiest-looking egg and prepare a small prize for them.
- Visit markets and ceremonies. Each city celebrates Easter in its own way; there may be a huge market, boat ceremonies or parades at your place. Stay updated on local news so you don't miss out on all the fun.
- Cook traditional meals. During Easter, it's common to prepare lamb, colcannon, soda bread, Irish bacon and Easter cake. Invite friends over to share meals with them – after all, holidays are all about bonding and connections with those you love.
Christmas
How could we skip Christmas? It’s one of the most popular and well-known public holidays in Ireland. On this day, the streets are quieter than usual because everyone stays at home and spends quality time with their families. However, it doesn’t mean that this celebration is boring – all the magic is hidden inside homes filled with smiles and laughter. We have three celebration ideas for you:
- Exchange gifts with family/friends/roommates. Think of what they truly love or agree to give gifts united by one rule. For example, all presents should be green. Or made of wood. Or…You get the idea here. Don’t be afraid to have a more creative approach towards traditions.
- Visit the Christmas tractor parade. It’s very random but surprisingly amusing. You can have a look at decorated tractors driving around the city and setting up the Christmas mood.
- Donate to charities. Christmas is a special occasion for giving money to those in need. Even a couple of euros can make a difference, so take this as an idea to end the year with kindness in your heart.
National holidays in Ireland are diverse yet united by the love and care people share with each other. Remember it when planning your activities in 2026, and have fun with people dear to your soul.
FAQ — Bank holidays in Ireland
How many bank holidays are in Ireland?
In 2026, there will be 10 public holidays in Ireland:
- New Year’s Day,
- St. Brigid's Day,
- St. Patrick’s Day,
- Easter Monday,
- May Day,
- June Bank Holiday,
- August Bank Holiday,
- October Bank Holiday,
- Christmas Day,
- St. Stephen's Day.
Why is it called a bank holiday in Ireland?
The name refers to the fact that banks are closed during these days.
Is everything closed on a bank holiday in Ireland?
Most shops and public facilities are closed. Many restaurants and bars receive visitors, but they can become overcrowded during busy periods.
What do the Irish call Halloween?
Samhain (pronounced Sow-in), which is an ancient Celtic festival.
Is there an extra bank holiday in Ireland in 2026?
No, there will be only 10 holidays, which is similar to previous years.
