Ireland long weekends 2026
Every three-day weekend that Irish public holidays create in 2026, plus the bridge days that turn a mid-week holiday into a four- or five-day break. 7 long weekends need no leave at all; 2 more are one or two days of leave away.
All public holidays in 2026 by weekday
| Holiday | Date | Observed | Weekday | Weekend potential |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan 1 | — | Thursday | Take Friday: 4 days |
| St Brigid's Day | Feb 2 | — | Monday | Sat–Mon, 3 days |
| St Patrick's Day | Mar 17 | — | Tuesday | Take Monday: 4 days |
| Easter Monday | Apr 6 | — | Monday | Sat–Mon, 3 days |
| May Day (May Bank Holiday) | May 4 | — | Monday | Sat–Mon, 3 days |
| June Bank Holiday | Jun 1 | — | Monday | Sat–Mon, 3 days |
| August Bank Holiday | Aug 3 | — | Monday | Sat–Mon, 3 days |
| October Bank Holiday | Oct 26 | — | Monday | Sat–Mon, 3 days |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25 | — | Friday | Fri–Sun, 3 days |
| St Stephen's Day | Dec 26 | — | Saturday | Weekend holiday |
Planning tips
The best value comes from holidays that fall on a Tuesday or Thursday: one day of leave buys a four-day break. A Wednesday holiday can anchor a nine-day vacation for three days of leave (Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday). Book early — the days around Christmas and Easter are the most requested leave days of the year. Remember that observed dates, not actual dates, decide when offices close.
Frequently asked questions
How many long weekends are there in Ireland in 2026?
7 of the 10 public holidays in 2026 fall on a Monday or Friday (or are observed on one), giving 7 long weekends of three days or more without taking any leave. Another 2 can be stretched into a four- or five-day break with one or two days of leave.
What is a bridge day?
A bridge day is a single day of leave taken between a holiday and a weekend — for example the Friday after a Thursday holiday — that turns a one-day holiday into a four-day break. The dates above show exactly which day to request.