Public holidays in the Republic of Ireland do not (always) coincide with public holidays in Northern Ireland and can be a confusing problem; in fact, many guides and websites seem to have something wrong. And he seems reluctant to correct it as well. The best example is Good Friday, which is not a public holiday in general (although alcohol cannot be sold on this day). Trying to shed some light on this murky topic, here is a definitive list of public holidays in the Republic of Ireland. Plus some comments on other special days that you might consider:
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. Special restrictions have been introduced on the sale of alcohol in many cities, sales without a license are only legal after noon. In case St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday will be a public holiday instead.
Easter monday
Easter Monday is a public holiday throughout Ireland, most (but not all) businesses will be closed.
Spring 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.
June Bank Holiday: First Monday in June
The first Monday in June is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland only, many businesses will be closed, although retailers generally remain open in urban areas. As this is usually a working day in Northern Ireland, cross border shopping is often very popular on this day.
Summer Bank Holiday: First Monday in August
The first Monday in August is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland only, many businesses will be closed, although retailers generally remain open in urban areas. As this is a normal working day in Northern Ireland, cross-border shopping is often very popular – expect delays on routes to Northern Ireland.
October bank holiday: last Monday in October
The last Monday in October is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland only, many businesses will be closed, although retailers generally remain open in urban areas. Traditionally the Dublin Marathon is held on this day, traffic chaos is expected in and around the capital all day. As this is a normal working day in Northern Ireland, cross-border shopping is often very popular – expect delays on routes to Northern Ireland.
Christmas Day – December 25
Christmas Day is 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, the following Monday will be a public holiday instead, in case Christmas day falls on Sunday, the following Tuesday will be a public holiday instead
Saint Stephen’s Day – December 26
St. Stephen’s Day (or Boxing Day) is a public holiday throughout Ireland, although sales start in some urban areas and many stores are open. In case St. Stephen’s Day falls on Saturday, the following Monday will be a public holiday instead, in case St. Stephen’s Day falls on Sunday, the following Tuesday will be a public holiday instead.
The riddle of Good Friday
Good Friday is a public holiday only in Northern Ireland. Alcohol sales are not allowed in the Republic and pubs are generally only open for meals; Banks will also be closed on Good Friday. Expect cross-border traffic from Northern Ireland heading to retail hubs in the Republic, depending on the exchange rate (and often the relative price of chocolates, gasoline, or alcohol).
School holidays in the Republic of Ireland
Since 2004, school terms in the Republic of Ireland have been standardized, with the notable exception of the start and end dates of the school year. Schools have some discretion about when students finish and start school. However, all schools are generally closed during July and most of August. The dates for the Christmas, Easter and mid-term holidays are standardized. These are (in a very broad scheme) the school holidays in the Republic of Ireland:
- Schools reopen after Christmas break in the second week of January.
- February Mid-Term Break: Up to one week in mid-February.
- Easter Holidays: All schools close for two weeks around Easter.
- Summer Break: All schools are generally closed during July and most of August.
- October Mid-Term Break – A long weekend in late October.
- Christmas Holidays: All schools are closed on the Fridays before Christmas (generally).
Holidays in Northern Ireland
As you have seen, 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.
