Public holidays in Northern Ireland do not always coincide with those of the Republic and can sometimes be confusing. Like those August holidays: first weekend in the Republic, last weekend in Northern Ireland. Or even Good Friday. Here’s the definitive list of holidays in Northern Ireland, with a few remarks on other special days you might be aware of.
New Years Day: January 1
New Years Day is a public holiday throughout Ireland, most businesses will be closed and public transport will be cut to the bone. In case January 1 falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday will be a public holiday instead.
St. Patrick’s Day: March 17
St Patrick’s Day is a public holiday throughout Ireland, most businesses will be closed for at least part of the day. In the event that St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday will be a holiday instead.
Good Friday
Good Friday is a public holiday only in Northern Ireland. Expect cross-border traffic from Northern Ireland heading to retail hubs in the Republic, depending on the current exchange rate and relative prices.
Easter monday
Easter Monday is a public holiday throughout Ireland, most businesses will be closed.
May Bank Holiday: First Monday in May
The first Monday in May is a public holiday throughout Ireland, many businesses will be closed, although retailers generally remain open in urban areas. In Northern Ireland, this is known as the May public holiday.
Spring Bank Holiday: Last Monday in May
A public holiday in Northern Ireland on the last Monday in May is known as the Spring Bank Holiday.
Battle of the Boyne Anniversary: July 12
The anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne (actually the wrong date, but it doesn’t matter) is a public holiday in Northern Ireland only – most businesses will be closed. There is a lot of traffic heading to the Republic for the day. Also, expect temporary closures and disruptions on routes through towns and cities. In the event that July 12, the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday will be a holiday instead.
Summer bank holiday: last Monday in August
The last Monday in August, also known as the summer bank holiday, is a public holiday in Northern Ireland only; most businesses (but not retailers) will be closed.
Christmas Day: December 25.
A public holiday throughout Ireland, this is the day the entire country is dead and closed for business. In case Christmas Day falls on Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday will be a public holiday instead.
Boxing Day – December 26
Boxing Day (or St. Stephen’s Day) is a public holiday throughout Ireland, although sales start in some urban areas and many stores are open. In case Boxing Day falls on Saturday, the following Monday will be a public holiday instead, in case Boxing Day falls on Sunday, the following Tuesday will be a public holiday instead.
School holidays in Northern Ireland
This is a summary of the school holidays in Northern Ireland:
- Schools reopen after Christmas break on the first business day in January.
- February Mid-Term Break: Schools close in mid-February for a long weekend.
- Easter Holidays: All schools close for two weeks around Easter.
- Summer vacation: all schools are closed for up to two months from the beginning of July.
- Mid-Term Fall Break – Schools close in mid-fall for a long weekend.
- Schools close for Christmas holidays at the end of December.
Public holidays in the Republic of Ireland
You may have noticed that some, but not all, public holidays are in effect throughout Ireland. However, there are differences over several days and these tend to favor cross-border excursions for shopping or recreation. Traffic jams can occur, especially around major shopping centers.
