School holidays in Ireland, 2026
Term breaks region by region, taken from the published education calendars. Schools add their own staff-training and free-choice days on top, so confirm the exact first and last day with your school.
School holiday dates 2026
Ireland standardises Christmas, Easter and mid-term breaks for recognised primary and post-primary schools. February differs by school level: primary schools may extend the standard two-day break using discretionary days. Contingency arrangements after unforeseen closures can shorten February or Easter breaks. The dates below are inclusive days off, excluding the final teaching day. Summer and school-year opening dates are not nationally standardised and are deliberately omitted; check your school’s calendar.
Primary schools
Christmas holidays
Starts: 20 Dec 2025
Ends: 4 Jan 2026
16 days
February mid-term
Schools may extend to 16–20 February using discretionary days; the following weekend is also outside teaching time.
Starts: 19 Feb 2026
Ends: 20 Feb 2026
2 days
Easter holidays
Contingency arrangements may shorten the break; confirm with the school.
Starts: 28 Mar 2026
Ends: 12 Apr 2026
16 days
October mid-term
Starts: 26 Oct 2026
Ends: 30 Oct 2026
5 days
Christmas holidays
22 December is the final teaching day; schools reopen on 6 January.
Starts: 23 Dec 2026
Ends: 5 Jan 2027
14 days
Post-primary schools
Christmas holidays
Starts: 20 Dec 2025
Ends: 4 Jan 2026
16 days
February mid-term
Standard Monday-to-Friday closure; adjoining weekends are also outside teaching time. Contingency arrangements may shorten the break.
Starts: 16 Feb 2026
Ends: 20 Feb 2026
5 days
Easter holidays
Starts: 28 Mar 2026
Ends: 12 Apr 2026
16 days
October mid-term
Starts: 26 Oct 2026
Ends: 30 Oct 2026
5 days
Christmas holidays
22 December is the final teaching day; schools reopen on 6 January.
Starts: 23 Dec 2026
Ends: 5 Jan 2027
14 days
Dates published by: Department of Education and Youth — Circulars 0072/2022 and 0018/2026. Official source
Other school-calendar days in the official feed
Aoine an Chéasta
Good Friday · Nationwide
Public holidays that close schools anyway
Lá Caille
New Year's Day · Nationwide
Lá Fhéile Bríde
Saint Brigid's Day · Nationwide
Lá Fhéile Pádraig
Saint Patrick's Day · Nationwide
Luan Cásca
Easter Monday · Nationwide
Lá Bealtaine
May Day · Nationwide
Lá Saoire i mí an Mheithimh
June Holiday · Nationwide
Lá Saoire i mí Lúnasa
August Holiday · Nationwide
Lá Saoire i mí Dheireadh Fómhair
October Holiday · Nationwide
Lá Nollag
Christmas Day · Nationwide
Lá Fhéile Stiofáin
St. Stephen's Day · Nationwide