Bank holidays in Ireland are cherished occasions, offering the Irish a chance to unwind, celebrate, and honor traditions. With nine official public holidays in 2025, there are plenty of opportunities to connect with Irish heritage and enjoy modern festivities.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to Ireland’s 2025 bank holidays, their dates, traditional significance, and contemporary celebrations:
New Year’s Day
January 1 (Wednesday)
New Years' fireworks in Killarney, County Kerry.
So of course... we've missed this one!
As the first day of the year, New Year’s Day is a time for fresh starts. Traditionally, families gather for quiet reflection or attend church services to pray for the year ahead. Nowadays, it’s often a day of recovery after New Year’s Eve parties, with people enjoying leisurely brunches or scenic walks to brush away the cobwebs.
St. Brigid’s Day
February 3 (Monday)
Brigid's Day celebrated as part of the festival Brigid 1500.
Introduced as a bank holiday in 2023, St. Brigid’s Day honors Ireland’s only female patron saint who evolved from the Celtic goddess of fire, Imbolc. Historically, this day marked the beginning of spring, celebrated with crafts like making St. Brigid’s crosses from rushes.
Modern observances often focus on women’s achievements, with events, exhibitions, and cultural celebrations nationwide.
St. Patrick’s Day
March 17 (Monday)
The St. Patrick's Day parade in Dublin.
Ireland’s most iconic holiday commemorates its patron saint, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated around the world. Traditional celebrations include parades, ceilís, and church services. Today, it’s a global spectacle, with vibrant parades, music, and green-themed festivities, both at home and in Irish communities worldwide.
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Easter Monday
April 21
Easter in Ireland is a really special time.
Easter Monday follows the celebration of Easter Sunday and holds historical significance due to the 1916 Easter Rising.
Traditionally, families enjoy picnics or outings. Many also attend commemorations of the Rising. In modern times, it’s a popular day for sports events and outdoor activities.
May Day
May 5 (Monday)
Rooted in ancient Celtic traditions, May Day, in ancient times known as Bealtaine, celebrates the start of summer.
Historically, it involved lighting bonfires and decorating homes with flowers. Today, it’s a public holiday associated with labor rights, often marked with community fairs, festivals, and outdoor activities.
June Bank Holiday
June 2 (Monday)
The unofficial start of summer, this holiday encourages outdoor pursuits. Families often head to beaches, parks, or festivals. While it lacks specific traditional roots, it’s a key weekend for enjoying Ireland’s natural beauty and local events.
August Bank Holiday
August 4 (Monday)
Another summer favorite, the August bank holiday offers a final opportunity to enjoy the season.
Traditionally, communities hosted fairs and gatherings. Today, it’s a weekend for music festivals, sporting events, and road trips across the island.
October Bank Holiday
October 27 (Monday)
Halloween celebrations in Derry.
Ireland’s “Halloween Holiday” honors the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain. Historically, Samhain marked the end of harvest and the start of winter. Modern celebrations include Halloween-themed events, costume parties, and pumpkin carving.
Christmas Day and St. Stephen’s Day
December 25 (Thursday) and December 26 (Friday)
Christmastime on Grafton Street, Dublin is very special.
Christmas is the most celebrated holiday in Ireland. Families gather for festive meals, gift exchanges, and midnight Mass on Christmas Eve.
St. Stephen’s Day, also known as Wren Day, features traditional music and dances in some areas, though many now spend the day relaxing or enjoying sports like horse racing and football.
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