Ireland, known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality, loves to celebrate and public holidays are perfect moments for both locals and visitors to enjoy traditions, festivals, and a well earned day off. This guide covers Ireland’s official public holidays in 2026, helping you plan time with family, short breaks, or trips across the Emerald Isle. Teams can easily track holidays and leave with the Day Off app.
Official Irish public holidays in 2026
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New Year’s Day — Thursday, January 1
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St Brigid’s Day — Monday, February 2 (first Monday in February)
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Saint Patrick’s Day — Tuesday, March 17
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Easter Monday — Monday, April 6
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May Bank Holiday — Monday, May 4
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June Bank Holiday — Monday, June 1
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August Bank Holiday — Monday, August 3
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October Bank Holiday — Monday, October 26
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Christmas Day — Friday, December 25
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St Stephen’s Day (Boxing Day) — Saturday, December 26
Note: Good Friday (Friday, April 3, 2026) is widely observed but is not an official public holiday.
Holiday highlights & what to expect in 2026
New Year’s Day — Jan 1
Family get-togethers, coastal dips for the brave, and a calm reset after New Year’s Eve festivities.
St Brigid’s Day — Feb 2
Ireland’s newest public holiday celebrates the arrival of spring and Brigid’s legacy of creativity and care expect craft workshops, music, and community events.
Saint Patrick’s Day — Mar 17
Parades, music, céilís, and a country dressed in green. Cities and towns burst with cultural showcases honoring Ireland’s patron saint.
Easter Monday — Apr 6
A relaxed long weekend for family visits, countryside walks, and spring outings; museums and heritage sites often run special programs.
May Bank Holiday — May 4
The unofficial start of summer: garden visits, coastal drives, local festivals, and outdoor markets.
June Bank Holiday — Jun 1
Longer days mean beach picnics, hiking, open air concerts, and food festivals across the country.
August Bank Holiday — Aug 3
Peak-summer vibes with music, arts, and seaside breaks great for a final getaway before autumn.
October Bank Holiday — Oct 26
Crisp air, fall colors, and Halloween events; perfect for heritage trails, castle visits, and cozy pub sessions.
Christmas Day — Dec 25
Family reunions, festive dinners, and cherished traditions throughout towns and villages.
St Stephen’s Day — Dec 26
Parades, charity events, post Christmas walks, and sporting fixtures a relaxed follow up to Christmas Day.
Conclusion
Ireland’s 2026 public holidays offer the ideal mix of celebration and downtime. Whether you’re exploring wild coastlines, diving into live music, or savoring hearty Irish fare, each date is a chance to recharge and make memories. Use Day Off to track holidays and plan leave, and share team celebrations on Slack to keep the spirit going. Mark your calendar and enjoy every well deserved day off in 2026.