Holidays
On Bank Holidays, banks and many shops are closed. Tourist attractions, pubs, and restaurants usually remain open.
| Date | Holiday | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January 1 | New Year | Everything closed |
| February 1 | St Brigid's Day | New holiday since 2023 |
| March 17 | St Patrick's Day | National holiday! Parades everywhere, Dublin is a party |
| Variable | Good Friday | Not an official holiday, but pubs traditionally closed (voluntary since 2018) |
| Variable | Easter Monday | Bank Holiday |
| 1st Mon in May | May Bank Holiday | Many Irish use the long weekend |
| 1st Mon in June | June Bank Holiday | Popular festival weekend |
| 1st Mon in August | August Bank Holiday | Peak of high season |
| Last Mon in Oct | October Bank Holiday | Halloween weekend (Samhain — of Irish origin!) |
| December 25 | Christmas | Everything closed |
| December 26 | St Stephen's Day | Everything closed, “Wren Day” tradition |
💡 Tipp
St Patrick's Day (March 17) in Dublin is an experience: The whole city celebrates with parades, street music, and a green-colored Liffey. But: Hotels are three times as expensive and booked out months in advance. For a quieter experience: St Patrick's Day in Galway or Dingle is more authentic.
