public holidays in Ireland in 2025

Public Holidays In Ireland In 2025

Enjoy the fun of public holidays in Ireland in 2025! This small island country has many great traditions and celebrations. From saying hello to the new year on January 1st to the lively St. Patrick’s Day fun in March, Ireland has different public holidays. 

Jump into the warm summer with the May, June, and August bank holidays, perfect for outdoor fun. Welcome the changing seasons during the October holiday and feel the magic of Christmas and St. Stephen’s Day. Get ready to learn about the special customs, stories, and joy that make Irish holidays excellent.

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Public Holidays In Ireland In 2025

Ireland has ten public holidays in 2025, with all the holidays falling on weekdays. Below is a list of the public holidays in Ireland in 2025. 

HolidayDateWeekday
New Year’s DayJan 01, 2025Wednesday
St Brigid’s DayFeb 03, 2025Monday
Saint Patrick’s DayMar 17, 2025Monday
Easter MondayApr 21, 2025Monday
May HolidayMay 05, 2025Monday
June HolidayJun 02, 2025Monday
August HolidayAug 04, 2025Monday
October HolidayOct 27, 2025Monday
Christmas DayDec 25, 2025Thursday
Saint Stephen’s DayDec 26, 2025Friday

This is the list of the public holidays in Ireland in 2025. Below are the customs, special meanings, and traditions of all these public holidays.

New Year’s Day

New Year’s Day marks the start of a new year on the Gregorian calendar. In Ireland, it is a public holiday celebrated with various traditions and customs. For many, it’s a time to make resolutions and set goals for the upcoming year. Families and friends often gather for celebrations, exchanging gifts, and enjoying festive meals. 

The day is also associated with making a fresh start, letting go of the past, and embracing new beginnings. In some parts of Ireland, people participate in New Year’s Day swims or plunge into the cold waters as a symbolic act of renewal and determination.

St Brigid’s Day

St Brigid’s Day is a traditional Irish celebration honoring St. Brigid, one of Ireland’s patron saints. It marked the beginning of spring and the return of longer days. On this day, people make St. Brigid’s crosses from rushes or straws, which are believed to bring blessings and protection to their homes. 

Traditions like making Brigid’s bread and leaving a piece outside for her are still practiced in some areas. St. Brigid is associated with healing, fertility, and poetry, and her feast day is a time to celebrate Irish culture and heritage.

Saint Patrick’s Day

Saint Patrick’s Day is a beloved cultural and religious holiday in Ireland, commemorating the arrival of Christianity and the life of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. On this day, people wear green attire, attend parades, and indulge in traditional Irish food and drinks. 

The iconic shamrock, a three-leaved clover, is widely used as a holiday symbol and is said to have been used by St. Patrick to explain the Holy Trinity. Celebrations often involve music, dance, and a festive atmosphere, with many pubs and restaurants offering special menus and events.

Easter Monday

Easter Monday is a public holiday in Ireland, observed the day after Easter Sunday. It is a continuation of the Easter celebrations deeply rooted in Christian traditions. For many, it’s a time for family gatherings, outdoor activities, and enjoying the spring weather. 

In some parts of Ireland, Easter Monday is marked by traditional games, such as egg rolling or egg knocking competitions. It’s also a popular day for organized community events, such as sports matches or community fairs.

May Holiday

The May Holiday, also known as the May Bank Holiday, is a public holiday celebrated on the first Monday of May in Ireland. It marks the beginning of the summer season and is often associated with outdoor activities and events. 

Many people use this long weekend for short holidays, day trips, or family gatherings. Traditional May Day celebrations occur in some areas, including crowning a May Queen and raising a Maypole. Overall, the May Holiday is a time to enjoy the warmer weather and celebrate the arrival of spring.

June Holiday

The June or June Bank holidays are public holidays in Ireland that fall on the first Monday of June. As the weather is warm and pleasant, it’s a popular time for outdoor activities and events. Many people use this long weekend for short breaks, camping trips, or visits to local attractions. 

Traditional festivals and community events are held in some parts of Ireland, showcasing local culture and traditions. Overall, the June Holiday is a time for leisure and relaxation, marking the start of the summer season.

August Holiday

The August Holiday, also known as the August Bank Holiday, is a public holiday celebrated in Ireland on the first Monday of August. As the weather is often warm and sunny, it’s a popular time for family outings, picnics, and outdoor activities. Many people use this long weekend for short vacations or day trips to popular tourist destinations. 

Local festivals and events are organized in some areas, featuring live music, food stalls, and traditional Irish entertainment. The August Holiday is a time to enjoy the last days of summer before the start of the new school year.

October Holiday

The October or October Bank Holiday is a public holiday in Ireland that falls on the last Monday of October. It marks the end of the summer season and the transition into autumn. For many, it’s a time to enjoy the changing colors of nature and participate in outdoor activities before the colder weather sets in. 

In some areas, traditional harvest festivals or Halloween-themed events are held, celebrating the autumn season and Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. The October Holiday is a chance for families and friends to gather and make the most of the mild weather before winter.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day is a significant religious and cultural holiday celebrated on December 25th in Ireland. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ and is a time for family gatherings, gift-giving, and festive traditions. Many homes are decorated with Christmas trees, lights, and other decorations. 

Traditional Christmas meals, often featuring turkey or ham, are prepared and enjoyed with loved ones. Attending Christmas church services is a common practice for many Irish families. The holiday is also associated with exchanging gifts, caroling, and creating lasting memories with friends and family.

Saint Stephen’s Day

Saint Stephen’s Day, or Boxing Day, is a public holiday celebrated on December 26th in Ireland. It is a day traditionally associated with giving gifts to those in need, service workers, and tradespeople. 

In modern times, it has become a popular day for shopping, as many stores offer post-Christmas sales and discounts. Families often gather for extended celebrations, continuing the festivities from Christmas Day. In some areas, traditional activities like hunting, horse racing, or sporting events are held on Saint Stephen’s Day.

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