Ireland Public
Holidays 2026
A comprehensive guide to all 10 bank holidays recognized across the Republic of Ireland’s 26 counties.
2026 Ireland Bank HolidaysComplete List
| # | Holiday | Date | Day | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Q1 – January to March | ||||
| 1 | New Year’s Day La Caille | January 1, 2026 | Thursday | – |
| 2 | St. Brigid’s Day La Fheile Bride | February 2, 2026 | Monday | New since 2023 |
| 3 | St. Patrick’s Day La Fheile Padraig | March 17, 2026 | Tuesday | National Day |
| Q2 – April to June | ||||
| 4 | Easter Monday Luan Casca | April 6, 2026 | Monday | – |
| 5 | May Bank Holiday La Saoire i mBealtaine | May 4, 2026 | Monday | First Monday in May |
| 6 | June Bank Holiday La Saoire i Meitheamh | June 1, 2026 | Monday | First Monday in June |
| Q3 – July to September | ||||
| 7 | August Bank Holiday La Saoire i Lunasa | August 3, 2026 | Monday | First Monday in August |
| Q4 – October to December | ||||
| 8 | October Bank Holiday La Saoire i nDeireadh Fomhair | October 26, 2026 | Monday | Last Monday in October |
| 9 | Christmas Day La Nollag | December 25, 2026 | Friday | – |
| 10 | St. Stephen’s Day La Fheile Stiofain | December 26, 2026 | Saturday | Boxing Day |
New Year’s DayLa Caille
The first day of the Gregorian calendar year, celebrated across Ireland with festivities, fireworks, and family gatherings. Many Irish people attend mass and make resolutions for the year ahead.
CelebrationSt. Brigid’s DayLa Fheile Bride
Ireland’s newest public holiday introduced in 2023, honouring St. Brigid of Kildare, one of Ireland’s patron saints. Falls on the first Monday of February, celebrating women’s contribution to Irish society and marking the beginning of spring in the Celtic calendar.
ReligiousSt. Patrick’s DayLa Fheile Padraig
Ireland’s National Day celebrating St. Patrick, the patron saint who brought Christianity to Ireland. The country comes alive with parades, traditional music, dancing, and the famous “wearing of the green.” From Dublin to the smallest village, Irish culture and heritage are celebrated with pride. Festivities include the dyeing of rivers green, ceili dancing, and family gatherings over traditional Irish meals.
National DayEaster MondayLuan Casca
The day after Easter Sunday, commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Also holds special significance as the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising, a pivotal moment in Irish independence. Families enjoy traditional Easter meals and spring activities.
ReligiousMay Bank HolidayLa Saoire i mBealtaine
Celebrated on the first Monday of May, marking the ancient Celtic festival of Bealtaine. Traditionally signifies the beginning of summer in Irish culture. A popular time for outdoor activities and enjoying the lengthening days.
Bank HolidayJune Bank HolidayLa Saoire i Meitheamh
The first Monday in June offers Irish families an extended weekend at the start of summer. A cherished long weekend for coastal trips, music festivals, and enjoying Ireland’s stunning countryside in full bloom.
Bank HolidayAugust Bank HolidayLa Saoire i Lunasa
The first Monday in August, coinciding with the ancient Gaelic festival of Lughnasadh. Traditionally a harvest festival celebrating the first fruits of the season. One of the busiest holiday weekends of the year, featuring major music festivals, sporting events, and the famous Galway Races.
Bank HolidayOctober Bank HolidayLa Saoire i nDeireadh Fomhair
The last Monday in October marks the final bank holiday before the Christmas season. Associated with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, the precursor to modern Halloween. Families enjoy autumn activities, countryside walks through golden landscapes, and prepare for the approaching winter season.
Bank HolidayChristmas DayLa Nollag
The celebration of Jesus Christ’s birth, observed with mass attendance, family gatherings, traditional Irish Christmas dinner, and the exchange of gifts.
CelebrationSt. Stephen’s DayLa Fheile Stiofain
Known as Boxing Day elsewhere, Ireland uniquely celebrates this as St. Stephen’s Day with the tradition of “Wren Boys” and horse racing events.
CelebrationBank Holidays in Ireland
Ireland has 10 official public holidays, known as bank holidays, that apply across all 26 counties of the Republic. These are days when banks, government offices, and most businesses close.
- All public holidays apply nationwide
- Workers entitled to paid leave or premium pay
- St. Brigid’s Day is the newest addition (2023)
- Good Friday is not a public holiday but widely observed
Irish Language & Culture
Each holiday has an official Irish (Gaelic) name, reflecting Ireland’s rich linguistic heritage. The Irish language is the first official language of the Republic of Ireland.
- Many holidays rooted in ancient Celtic traditions
- St. Patrick’s Day celebrated worldwide
- Bank holidays often align with Celtic seasonal festivals
- Traditional music and dancing feature prominently
Long Weekends
Ireland enjoys 6 Monday bank holidays throughout the year, creating extended weekends perfect for travel and leisure activities across the beautiful Irish countryside.
- St. Brigid’s Day – First Monday in February
- Easter Monday – Varies (March/April)
- May Bank Holiday – First Monday in May
- June Bank Holiday – First Monday in June
- August Bank Holiday – First Monday in August
- October Bank Holiday – Last Monday in October
Planning Your Year
With holidays distributed throughout the year, Irish workers enjoy regular breaks. The calendar balances religious observances, national pride, and seasonal celebrations.
- Q1: 3 holidays including National Day
- Q2: 3 holidays welcoming spring and summer
- Q3: 1 major summer holiday weekend
- Q4: 3 holidays including Christmas period
