Bank Holidays
Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland has 12 bank holidays in 2026 and 13 in 2027. See every date, day of the week, and how to plan your time off.
Northern Ireland Bank Holidays 2026
Full details12 bank holidays11 on a weekday1 on a weekend
| Date | Bank Holiday | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday 1 January | New Year's Day | Thu |
| Tuesday 17 March | Saint Patrick's Day | Tue |
| Friday 3 April | Good Friday | Fri |
| Monday 6 April | Easter Monday | Mon |
| Monday 4 May | Early May Bank Holiday | Mon |
| Monday 25 May | Spring Bank Holiday | Mon |
| Monday 13 July | Battle of the Boyne | Mon |
| Monday 31 August | Summer Bank Holiday | Mon |
| Friday 25 December | Christmas Day | Fri |
| Saturday 26 December | Boxing Day | Weekend |
| Monday 28 December | St. Stephen's Day | Mon |
| Monday 28 December | Substitute Bank Holiday for Boxing Day | Mon |
Northern Ireland Bank Holidays 2027
Full details13 bank holidays11 on a weekday2 on a weekend
| Date | Bank Holiday | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Friday 1 January | New Year's Day | Fri |
| Wednesday 17 March | Saint Patrick's Day | Wed |
| Friday 26 March | Good Friday | Fri |
| Monday 29 March | Easter Monday | Mon |
| Monday 3 May | Early May Bank Holiday | Mon |
| Monday 31 May | Spring Bank Holiday | Mon |
| Monday 12 July | Battle of the Boyne | Mon |
| Monday 30 August | Summer Bank Holiday | Mon |
| Saturday 25 December | Christmas Day | Weekend |
| Sunday 26 December | Boxing Day | Weekend |
| Monday 27 December | Christmas Day | Mon |
| Tuesday 28 December | St. Stephen's Day | Tue |
| Tuesday 28 December | Substitute Bank Holiday for Boxing Day | Tue |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many bank holidays does Northern Ireland have in 2026?
- Northern Ireland has 12 bank holidays in 2026.
- Are bank holidays the same as public holidays?
- In most English-speaking countries, bank holidays and public holidays refer to the same days — official days off legislated by the government. The term 'bank holiday' originated in the UK when banks were required to close on certain days, and the name stuck even as the concept expanded to all workers.
- Which bank holidays are unique to Northern Ireland?
- Northern Ireland observes St Patrick's Day (17 March) and the Battle of the Boyne / Orangemen's Day (12 July) as additional bank holidays not shared with England and Wales. These reflect Northern Ireland's distinct cultural and historical identity.
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