Irish public holidays can be a confusing issue – indeed most travel guides and websites seem to get something wrong. This despite the fact that there are clearly defined public holidays both in the Republic of Ireland (RoI) and Northern Ireland (NI), some but not all coinciding.
This is the definitive list of public holidays:
October Bank Holiday - Last Monday in October
A public holiday in the Republic of Ireland only, most businesses will be closed. Traditionally the Dublin Marathon is held on this day, expect traffic chaos in and around the capital all day.
Holiday dates:
- 2009 – October 26th
- 2010 – October 25th
- 2011 – October 31st
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 dates:
- 2009 – December 25th
- 2010 – December 27th (in lieu)
- 2011 – December 27th (in lieu)
Saint Stephen's Day (RoI) or Boxing Day (NI) - December 26th
A public holiday all over Ireland – though sales start in the North and many shops are open.
Should St Stephen's/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 dates:
- 2009 – December 28th (in lieu)
- 2010 – December 28th (in lieu)
- 2011 – December 26th
