In 2026, October Bank Holiday falls on a Monday, giving many a long weekend.
About October Bank Holiday
The October Bank Holiday is a public holiday in Ireland, held on the last Monday of October every year. It provides an autumn long weekend and falls close to Halloween, a festival with deep Irish roots. Introduced in 1977, it gives a welcome mid-term break as the days grow shorter. Shops, offices and schools generally close, though the mood is firmly seasonal and festive.
Because it coincides with Halloween, the October Bank Holiday is steeped in customs derived from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of harvest and the start of winter. Bonfires, costumes, fireworks and door-to-door trick-or-treating are widespread, and cities such as Derry host large Halloween parades. Traditional foods like barmbrack and colcannon appear on tables during the weekend.
October Bank Holiday · 2025–2030
Frequently asked questions
When is October Bank Holiday 2026 in Ireland?
Monday, Monday, 26 October 2026.
Is October Bank Holiday a public holiday in Ireland?
October Bank Holiday — Public holiday (Ireland).