Northern Ireland Public & National Holidays (2026)

Northern Ireland is a country that forms part of the United Kingdom and is located in the northeastern region of Ireland. The establishment of this country dates back to 1921 following the split of the two regions which formed Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland. Although Northern Ireland is politically part of the United Kingdom, geographically and even some may argue culturally, it is part of Ireland.

Public holidays in Northern Ireland consist of religious, cultural and national holidays observed across the country and are determined by the Government of the United Kingdom. Generally, during the public and bank holidays, government offices, schools, and businesses remain closed. Christmas Day and Good Friday are legally considered days of rest according to the 1871 Bank Holidays Act.

When are public holidays in Northern Ireland?

Which are the public holidays in Northern Ireland?

New Year’s Day
New Year’s Day marks the start of a new year and is celebrated on January 1st based on the Gregorian calendar.

St. Patrick’s Day
This holiday is observed on March 17th in celebration of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

Good Friday
This holiday is observed on the Friday before Easter in remembrance of the crucifixion and death of Jesus.

Easter Monday
Easter Monday is celebrated after Easter Sunday to mark the resurrection of Jesus.

Early May Bank Holiday
This bank holiday is observed on the first Monday of May in commemoration of the achievements of the labour movement.

Spring Bank Holiday
This bank holiday, also referred to as the Late May Bank Holiday, is observed on the last Monday of May. This holiday was officially instituted in 1967 in replacement of Whit Monday which fell during the summer term for schools, thus interfering with exam schedules.

Battle of Boyne
The Battle of Boyne is observed on July 12th in commemoration of the battle between King James II and King William of Orange on July 1, 1960. This battle occurred before the switch to the Gregorian calendar in 1752 and hence why it is now celebrated on July 12th.

Summer Bank Holiday
The Summer Bank Holiday is celebrated on the last Monday of August. Different from the Spring Bank Holiday, this holiday does not represent or replace any modern version of an older religious festival.

Christmas Day
Christmas Day commemorates the birth of Jesus and is observed on December 25th.

Boxing Day
Boxing Day, also referred to as St. Stephen’s Day or Second Day of Christmas, is celebrated on December 26th.  St. Stephen was the first Christian martyr.