Northern Ireland holidays 2026
Northern Ireland has 10 bank holidays in 2026. Dates below show the actual date and, where a holiday falls on a weekend, the day it is observed.
Bank holidays observed in Northern Ireland
| Date | Day | Holiday | Observed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thu | New Year's Day Bank holiday | — | |
| Mar 17 | Tue | St Patrick's Day Bank holiday | — | Northern Ireland only |
| Apr 3 | Fri | Good Friday Bank holiday | — | |
| Apr 6 | Mon | Easter Monday Bank holiday | — | Bank holiday in Northern Ireland |
| May 4 | Mon | Early May Bank Holiday Bank holiday | — | |
| May 25 | Mon | Spring Bank Holiday Bank holiday | — | |
| Jul 12 | Sun | Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen's Day) Bank holiday | Mon, Jul 13 | Northern Ireland only |
| Aug 31 | Mon | Summer Bank Holiday Bank holiday | — | Northern Ireland: last Monday in August |
| Dec 25 | Fri | Christmas Day Bank holiday | — | |
| Dec 26 | Sat | Boxing Day Bank holiday | Mon, Dec 28 |
Dates computed from the governing statutes and last verified October 3, 2026. Years beyond officially published schedules are projected from the rule that sets the date.
Observances (not days off)
| Date | Day | Holiday | Observed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 14 | Sat | Valentine's Day Observance | — | |
| Feb 17 | Tue | Pancake Day (Shrove Tuesday) Observance | — | |
| Mar 15 | Sun | Mother's Day (Mothering Sunday) Observance | — | |
| Jun 21 | Sun | Father's Day Observance | — | |
| Oct 31 | Sat | Halloween Observance | — | |
| Nov 5 | Thu | Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night) Observance | — | |
| Nov 8 | Sun | Remembrance Sunday Observance | — |
Long weekends in Northern Ireland, 2026
What closes
Government offices, courts and most schools close on the public holidays above. Shops usually open with reduced hours, subject to local trading rules.
Frequently asked questions
How many public holidays does Northern Ireland have in 2026?
Northern Ireland has 10 public holidays in 2026: 10 bank holidays.
What is the next holiday in Northern Ireland?
The next holiday in Northern Ireland is Christmas Day on Friday, December 25, 2026 (53 days away).
Are Northern Ireland holidays the same as the rest of the United Kingdom?
Mostly. Northern Ireland observes the bank holidays shared across the United Kingdom. Other nations have different regional days, so check the page for the nation you need.