October Bank Holiday
Nationwide public holiday in Ireland
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 26 October | Monday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 25 October | Monday | Nationwide |
Where it applies
Everywhere in Ireland.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Sat 24 Oct – Mon 26 Oct is a 3-day weekend with no leave needed.
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in Dublin around 26 October: high 13°C (55°F), low 9°C (48°F), rain on 64% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Dublin. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Monday 26 October in Dublin: (MET Norway)
About October Bank Holiday
The October Bank Holiday falls on the last Monday of October and is the last public holiday before Christmas. It was introduced in the 1970s and is not tied to a particular historical or religious event. It falls close to Halloween, a festival with roots in the Gaelic festival of Samhain.
Traditions
The long weekend is associated with the Cork Jazz Festival and with Halloween preparations, including costumes and community events. Many families also use it as a short break during the school mid-term period.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
Coming up next in Ireland
Friday, 25 December 2026
More for Ireland
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.