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
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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.
FAQ: Ireland’s Public Holidays in 2026
What can I expect during Saint Patrick’s Day in Ireland?
Saint Patrick’s Day, observed on March 17, is a vibrant celebration of Ireland’s culture and patron saint. Expect large parades, traditional Irish music, céilís (Irish dances), and a nation decked out in green. The day is filled with lively street festivals, performances, and plenty of food and drink, making it a great day to experience the heart of Irish culture.
Is Good Friday a public holiday in Ireland?
Good Friday, which falls on April 3, 2026, is widely observed across Ireland but is not an official public holiday. While most businesses and schools remain open, many people still take the day off for religious observance or personal reasons.
What happens on St Brigid’s Day?
St Brigid’s Day, observed on Monday, February 2, 2026, celebrates the arrival of spring and honors the legacy of Brigid, a figure known for creativity and care. As Ireland’s newest public holiday, expect community events such as craft workshops, performances, and celebrations that highlight Ireland’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
Are there any special events for Easter Monday?
Easter Monday, which falls on April 6, is a relaxed public holiday ideal for family outings and spring activities. Museums and heritage sites often offer special programs, while families take advantage of the long weekend to enjoy countryside walks, picnics, and visits to scenic spots.
What is the significance of the May Bank Holiday?
The May Bank Holiday on May 4, 2026, marks the unofficial start of the summer season in Ireland. People often enjoy outdoor activities like coastal drives, garden visits, and local festivals. It’s a great time for short breaks or just relaxing in the Irish countryside.
What can I do on the August Bank Holiday?
The August Bank Holiday, observed on Monday, August 3, is perfect for enjoying peak-summer vibes. Expect outdoor music festivals, arts events, beach picnics, and scenic drives. It’s also a popular time for a final summer getaway before the autumn months begin.
How is Christmas Day celebrated in Ireland?
Christmas Day, observed on December 25, is one of the most important holidays in Ireland. It’s a day for family reunions, festive dinners, and cherished traditions, with towns and villages coming alive with Christmas cheer. Expect church services, festive meals, and quality time with loved ones.
What’s the tradition for St Stephen’s Day?
St Stephen’s Day, also known as Boxing Day, falls on December 26 and is a more relaxed follow-up to Christmas Day. It’s a day for family gatherings, post-Christmas walks, sporting events, and charity activities. Many towns hold parades, and it’s a great day for outdoor activities or just relaxing.
Can I track holidays and leave with Day Off app?
Yes, Day Off app helps individuals and teams track public holidays and manage leave. It’s an easy-to-use tool for marking holidays, planning time off, and staying on top of leave requests, ensuring that both personal and work schedules remain organized.
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.












