Public holidays in the Republic of Ireland do not (always) tally with those in Northern Ireland and can be a confusing issue - indeed many guide books and websites seem to get something wrong. Trying to bring some light into this murky issue, here is the definitive list of public holidays in the Republic of Ireland. Plus some remarks on other special days you might look out for:
Public Holidays in the Republic of 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. Special curbs on the sale of alcohol have been introduced in many cities, off-license sales are only legal after midday. 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)
Easter Monday
A public holiday all over Ireland, most businesses will be closed.
Holiday date in 2012: April 9th
Spring Bank Holiday - First Monday in May
A public holiday all over Ireland, many businesses will be closed,though retailers generally stay open in urban areas.
Holiday date in 2012: May 7th
June Bank Holiday - First Monday in June
Normally a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland only, many businesses will be closed, though retailers generally stay open in urban areas. As this is usually a working day in Northern Ireland, cross-border shopping is usually very popular on this day. Beware, however, that in 2012 (only) the first Monday in June is also a bank holiday in Northern Ireland.
Holiday date in 2012: June 4th
Summer Bank Holiday - First Monday in August
A public holiday in the Republic of Ireland only, many businesses will be closed, though retailers generally stay open in urban areas. As this is a normal working day in Northern Ireland, cross-border shopping is usually very popular – expect delays on routes into Northern Ireland.
Holiday date in 2012: August 6th
October Bank Holiday - Last Monday in October
A public holiday in the Republic of Ireland only , many businesses will be closed, though retailers generally stay open in urban areas. Traditionally the Dublin Marathon is held on this day, expect traffic chaos in and around the capital all day. As this is a normal working day in Northern Ireland, cross-border shopping is usually very popular – expect delays on routes into Northern Ireland.
Holiday date in 2012: October 29th
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
Saint Stephen's Day - December 26th
A public holiday all over Ireland - though sales start in some urban areas and many shops are open. Should St Stephen's 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
The Good Friday Conundrum
Good Friday is a public holiday in Northern Ireland only. In the Republic there are no alcohol sales allowed and pubs will generally open only for meals; also banks will remain closed on Good Friday. Expect cross-border traffic from Northern Ireland heading for retail centres in the Republic.
Holiday date in 2012: April 6th
Public Holidays in Northern 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 Northern Ireland for more details.
School Holidays in the Republic of Ireland
Since 2004 school terms in the Republic of Ireland have been standardised – with the notable exception of the dates for the start and the end of the school year. Schools have some discretion about when students finish and start school. However, all schools are generally closed for July and most of August. The dates for the Christmas, Easter and mid-term breaks are standardised.
These are the school holidays in the Republic of Ireland for 2012:
- Schools re-open after Christmas break on Monday 9 January 2012.
- February mid-term break - primary schools close on Thursday, February 16th and Friday, February 17th. They may extend this to a longer break starting on Monday, February 13th. Post-primary schools close for a week from Monday, February 13th to Friday, February 17th inclusive.
- Easter break - all schools close on Friday, March 30th, and re-open on Monday, April 16th.
- Summer break - all schools are generally closed for July and most of August.
- October mid-term break - all schools close for a week from Monday, October 29th, to Friday, November 2nd, inclusive.
- Christmas break - all schools close on Friday, December 21st.
