There’s time to work and time to rest. The bank holidays in 2025 give you a chance to forget about work responsibilities and spend time with yourself and your loved ones while living in Ireland. In this article, we’ll explain what the bank holidays in Ireland are in 2025 and show you the Irish calendar of 2025 with the bank holidays.
Bank holidays FAQ
The list of the bank holidays in Ireland in 2025
Facts about the bank holidays in Ireland in 2025
Bank holidays FAQ
What are the bank holidays in Ireland in 2025?
Public and bank holidays in Ireland in 2025 are generally the same. So, if you want to know when the country will chill out, check the list of bank holidays in Ireland in 2025.
Why "Bank," though? Historically, there were days when the banks were closed due to celebrations. These days were so important that people started to call them "bank holidays." Over time, the meaning evolved from referring to the bank system to designating all public holidays.
However, in certain situations, there is a difference between public and bank holidays in Ireland in 2025. For example, Good Friday is public but not a bank holiday. The reason is that it's up to a local school or a company whether to operate or be closed on that day. This is an exception; mostly, the terms are identical.
How many bank holidays will there be in Ireland in 2025?
This year, the country will have 10 days of celebrations. Previously, there were 9 holidays, but in 2023 St. Brigid's Day was added to the list. The government will observe the relevance of having additional bank holidays in Ireland in 2025.
How will people celebrate bank holidays in Ireland in 2025?
It depends on the tradition of the particular day. Here’s what you always have to keep in mind:
- Most of the public and private organisations take days off. So buy your groceries and deal with the documents in advance.
- Public transportation usually operates but with an adjusted schedule.
- Restaurants may be working.
- If you're an employee, you'll have paid leave or one of these options: an additional day of annual leave, an additional day's pay, or a paid day off within a month of the public holiday.
- Huge events will be held during the bank holidays in Ireland in 2025, so check the announcements and entertain yourself.
- Remember to share the joy of the celebration with your family back home — send them money with a fast and beneficial Profee transfer.
The list of the bank holidays in Ireland in 2025
Down below, you can find an Ireland calendar of 2025 with the bank holidays:
| Date | Holiday |
|---|---|
| January 1st | New Year's Day |
| February 3rd | St. Brigid's Day |
| March 17th | St. Patrick's Day |
| April 21st | Easter Monday |
| May 5th | May Day |
| June 2nd | June Bank Holiday |
| August 4th | August Bank Holiday |
| October 27th | October Bank Holiday |
| December 25th | Christmas Day |
| December 26th | St. Stephen's Day |
Most of the bank holidays in 2025 in Ireland fall on winter or cold times like October and March, so get prepared to spend some cosy nights at home with a glass of hot wine or a cup of cacao!
Knowing all the bank holidays in Ireland in 2025 is essential to plan your trips and days off at work, so save the dates of the bank holidays in 2025 and start planning.
Facts about the bank holidays in Ireland in 2025
New Year's Day
There were times when the beginning of the new year was celebrated on March 25th. The celebration date was moved to the current one in 1752 after adopting the Gregorian calendar.
Now, New Year's Day is a time when families and friends gather to reflect on the previous year, make plans, and appreciate each other. As always, it will be among the warmest and happiest bank holidays 2025.
Some traditions include:
- Sweeping the threshold to clean the whole house from bad luck.
- Eat 12 grapes at midnight (yes, it’s the Spanish influence).
- Light the candle in your window to invite the blessing to your house.
St. Brigid's Day
St. Bridget is an iconic figure in the country's religious history. Born in the 5th century, the woman founded several monasteries and spread kindness nationwide. Her life is a mystery, as countless tales were told about St. Bridget.
This bank holiday in 2025 in Ireland will be celebrated with festivals and church gatherings. This is a perfect day to send money to charity and help those in need. As St. Bridget desired, show your respect and generous nature and make the world a better place.
St. Patrick's Day
The origins of this celebration date back to the 17th century, when the holidays were announced alongside the death of St. Patrick. He died in the 5th century, so it took them quite a while to start appreciating the man's deeds.
Nowadays, St. Patrick's Day is far more significant than a local religious event. The festivals, with exceptional food and decorations, are organised worldwide. While living in Ireland, visiting one of such events is a must. It'll help you to blend into the culture and understand how Irish people define themselves.
Bank holidays in 2025 in Ireland are diverse and unique, so explore them all!
Easter Monday
Easter is one of the most known Christian holidays dedicated to the resurrection of Christ. This day gives hope for a better future and calms your soul. If you’re celebrating Easter, buy some eggs and get creative with the beautiful decorations. Kids find it incredibly joyful, and their parents also cherish these special moments of spending time together.
After the Easter breakfast, visit some parades or visit the nearest church.
Among bank holidays in Ireland in 2025, Easter is the celebration that resonates most with spring. You can feel the spirit of the rebirth of nature and yourself.
May Day
May Day has roots in Celtic tradition when the Irish people had a festival called Bealtaine. The aim of this celebration is to welcome summer and ask gods to secure fertility.
On May Day, you can have a walk, light a bonfire, pick up some flowers and use them as accessories, visit a parade, and return home after connecting with nature and ancient traditions.
June Bank Holiday
This is one of the youngest celebrations in Ireland, as the modern dates and name were established only in 1973. This is not a religious holiday; on the contrary, it was set to boost tourism and let workers have longer weekends at the beginning of the summer.
June Bank Holiday is loved by gardeners as it's a time when they can showcase their achievements and learn from their colleagues. It is a refreshing and happy day that brings a feeling of relaxation.
August Bank Holiday
Another public holiday was initially set to provide an extra day off for the workers in the 19th century. If the June Bank Holiday is in charge of welcoming summer, this day is aimed at appreciating the arrival of autumn.
You can take this opportunity to go hiking or try out fishing; spending some time outside is a perfect reset between busy working days.
October Bank Holiday
Historically, this day was established at the same time as the August Bank Holiday — in the 19th century. And the goal was to let the workers rest, quite the same. Enjoy the festivals, costume parades, local music and treats, put aside all the problems and spend the day appreciating living in an amazing country.
Christmas Day
Christmas is a worldwide holiday and Ireland is no exception. Prepare gifts, traditional food, Christmas socks, and decorate the tree. This day is magical and turns your life into a fairytale.
Spend these bank holidays in Ireland in 2025 with your family or friends as it is a special holiday, filled with warmth even when the weather is freezing.
St Stephen's Day
While various traditions and customs mark St. Stephen's Day, its primary purpose is to commemorate the life and legacy of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, and to gather with loved ones in his honour.
Conclusion
In this article, you found out how many bank holidays there are in Ireland in 2025. Save the dates to your calendar and prepare for the celebrations in advance. We also explored the history of public and bank holidays in Ireland in 2025.
Spend these special days with your loved ones. If they’re far away, treat them with a fast and secure Profee transfer.
