Public holidays in Northern Ireland do not (always) tally with those in the Republic and can be confusing at times. Here is the definitive list of public holidays in Northern Ireland. Augmented by some remarks on other special days you might look out for:
Public Holidays in Northern Ireland
New Year's Day - January 1st
A public holiday all over Ireland, most businesses will be closed and public transport will be down to the bare bones. Should January 1st fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday will be a holiday in lieu.
Holiday date in 2012: January 2nd (in lieu)
Saint Patrick's Day - March 17th
A public holiday all over Ireland, most businesses will be closed at least part of the day. Should Saint Patrick's Day fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday will be a holiday in lieu.
Holiday date in 2012: March 19th (in lieu)
Good Friday
Good Friday is a public holiday in Northern Ireland only. Expect cross-border traffic from Northern Ireland heading for retail centres in the Republic.
Holiday date in 2012: April 6th
Easter Monday
A public holiday all over Ireland, most businesses will be closed.
Holiday date in 2012: April 9th
Spring Bank Holiday
Normally a public holiday in Northern Ireland on the last Monday in May, this has been re-scheduled in 2012. This year (only), the first Monday in June is designated a bank holiday in Northern Ireland.
Holiday date in 2012: June 4th
Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II – Special Holiday 2012
To mark Queen Elizabeth II's sixty years on the throne, a special public holiday has been granted in 2012. This may not be observed at all in Republican areas (schools may, but are not required to, close for instance).
Holiday date in 2012: June 5th
Battle of the Boyne Anniversary - July 12th
A public holiday in Northern Ireland only, most businesses will be closed. There is major traffic heading off into the Republic for the day, also expect closures and temporary interruptions on routes through towns and cities. Should July 12th, the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne, fall on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday will be a holiday in lieu.
Holiday date in 2012: July 12th
Summer Bank Holiday - Last Monday in August
A public holiday in Northern Ireland only, most businesses (but not retailers) will be closed.
Holiday date in 2012: August 27th
Christmas Day - December 25th
A public holiday all over Ireland - this is the one day where the whole country is dead and closed for business! Should Christmas Day fall on a Saturday, the following Monday will be a holiday in lieu, should Christmas Day fall on a Sunday, the following Tuesday will be a holiday in lieu.
Holiday date in 2012: 25th
Boxing Day - December 26th
A public holiday all over Ireland - though sales start in some urban areas and many shops are open. Should Boxing Day fall on a Saturday, the following Monday will be a holiday in lieu, should Christmas Day fall on a Sunday, the following Tuesday will be a holiday in lieu.
Holiday date in 2012: December 26th
Public Holidays in the Republic of Ireland
Some, but not all public holidays are in force all over Ireland. There are, however, differences on several days and these usually tend to favour cross-border excursions for shopping or recreation. Traffic jams may ensue, especially around main retail centres.
Please refer to the article on public holidays in the Republic of Ireland for more details.
School Holidays in Northern Ireland
These are the school holidays in Northern Ireland for 2012:
- Schools re-open after Christmas break on Tuesday January 3rd.
- February mid-term break - schools close on Thursday, February 16th and Friday, February 17th.
- Easter break - all schools closed from Thursday, April 5th, to Monday, April 16th.
- Summer break - all schools are closed from July 2nd.
