In Ireland, 2026 brings ten national public holidays, but not all of them fall on weekdays.
When a fixed-date holiday such as St Stephen’s Day (26 December) lands on a Saturday, employees are normally entitled to a substitute bank holiday.
This guide covers the full list of 2026 holidays, explains substitute entitlements, and gives tips on how to plan your long weekends.
Full list — Republic of Ireland public holidays 2026 (dates & weekdays)
| Date (2026) | Weekday | Holiday name | Substitute applies? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Jan 2026 | Thu | New Year’s Day | No |
| 2 Feb 2026 | Mon | St Brigid’s Day (observed as a bank holiday on the first Monday in February) | No |
| 17 Mar 2026 | Tue | St Patrick’s Day (national holiday) | No |
| 6 Apr 2026 | Mon | Easter Monday (the Monday after Easter Sunday) | No |
| 4 May 2026 | Mon | May Day (Early May Bank Holiday) | No |
| 1 Jun 2026 | Mon | June Bank Holiday (first Monday in June) | No |
| 3 Aug 2026 | Mon | August Bank Holiday (first Monday in August) | No |
| 26 Oct 2026 | Mon | October Bank Holiday (last Monday in October) | No |
| 25 Dec 2026 | Fri | Christmas Day | No |
| 26 Dec 2026 | Sat | St Stephen’s Day (Boxing Day) |  Yes — substitute entitlement applies |
Note: The above list is the standard set of national public holidays observed across the Republic of Ireland in 2026.
Local or sectoral closures (for example, local festivals or industry-specific days) are not included.
What is a “Substitute Bank Holiday” in Ireland?
When a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, employees in Ireland are entitled to compensation — known as a substitute bank holiday.
Employers generally offer one of the following:
- A paid day off on another date
- An extra day of annual leave
- Or an additional day’s pay
In 2026, this applies to St Stephen’s Day (26 December), which falls on a Saturday.
Employee entitlements — what to expect in 2026
If you normally don’t work on weekends, but a fixed-date public holiday (like 26 December) falls on one, you are still entitled to compensation.
Employers are required by law to provide one of the three options above, depending on internal policy and your contract terms.
Tips for employees:
- Check early with your HR or manager about how your workplace handles substitute bank holidays.
- Request your substitute leave in advance, especially if you want to attach it to another long weekend.
- Employers must respond within required timelines to leave requests where regulations apply.
How to plan long weekends in 2026
By combining your annual leave with Ireland’s 2026 public holidays, you can enjoy several extended breaks:
- Easter (April 4–6) — add Friday, April 3, for a 4-day weekend.
- May Bank Holiday (May 4) — add May 5–6 for a 5-day break.
- Christmas & St Stephen’s substitute — likely the best time for a longer rest.
Pages about Irish bank holidays attract heavy search traffic 3–4 weeks before each major long weekend.
If you manage a business or blog, update your holiday content in advance.
Cross-border & travel checks
If you travel between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland / the UK, check transport and opening hours in advance.
Public transport and retail often run on reduced timetables or altered schedules during bank holidays.
Schools and public services
Most public offices, local authorities, and some schools close on bank holidays.
In certain cases, schools may also close when used as polling stations for elections or referendums — so always confirm opening hours in advance.
Short FAQ
Q: How many bank holidays are there in Ireland in 2026?
A: There are ten national public holidays in 2026 (see full list above).
Q: What is a substitute bank holiday in Ireland?
A: It’s a replacement day off or pay entitlement given when a fixed-date public holiday (like 26 December) falls on a weekend. Employers can offer another day off, extra annual leave, or extra pay.
Q: What happens if a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday?
A: You’ll usually get a substitute entitlement, depending on your contract. Confirm details with your employer.
Q: Where can I find official government confirmation or datasets?
A: See government and open-data portals. TimeAndDate and other calendar sites also provide verified holiday tables.