School holidays in Ireland 2026/27
Every break in the 2026/27 school year for primary and secondary schools, using the dates the Department of Education and Youth has standardised for every school in the country. Under each one you’ll find camps and things to do while the kids are off.
All 2026/27 school holiday dates
| Break | Primary | Secondary | Back to school |
|---|---|---|---|
| October mid-term | Mon 26 – Fri 30 Oct 2026 | Mon 26 – Fri 30 Oct 2026 | Mon 2 Nov |
| Christmas | Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027 | Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027 | Wed 6 Jan |
| February mid-term | Thu 18 – Fri 19 Feb 2027* | Mon 15 – Fri 19 Feb 2027 | Mon 22 Feb |
| St Patrick’s Day | Wed 17 Mar 2027 | Wed 17 Mar 2027 | Thu 18 Mar |
| Easter | Mon 22 Mar – Fri 2 Apr 2027 | Mon 22 Mar – Fri 2 Apr 2027 | Mon 5 Apr |
| Summer | From late June 2027 | From late May or early June 2027 | Late Aug / early Sept |
*Primary schools must close on these two days, and many use discretionary days to take the whole week (Mon 15 – Fri 19 Feb). Schools are also closed on the bank holidays: Mon 26 Oct 2026, Mon 1 Feb 2027 (St Brigid’s Day), Mon 3 May and Mon 7 June 2027. Each school sets its own first and last days and a few other closures, such as staff training days, so check your school’s own calendar too.
October mid-term Mon 26 – Fri 30 October 2026
The Halloween break, starting with the October bank holiday. Camps fill up early, and most pumpkin patches and Halloween trails run their busiest days this week.
Christmas Wed 23 December 2026 – Tue 5 January 2027
Tuesday 22 December is the last day of term, and many schools finish early that day. Most Santa visits run from late November until the 23rd, so book those before the break.
February mid-term Mon 15 – Fri 19 February 2027
The full week for secondary schools. Primary schools close on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 at least, so check whether yours is taking the whole week before booking a five-day camp.
Easter Mon 22 March – Fri 2 April 2027
Two weeks off, with Easter Sunday on 28 March and Easter Monday a bank holiday. It follows straight on from St Patrick’s Day on Wednesday 17 March.
Summer Late May / June – late August 2027
Primary schools usually finish in the last week of June and secondary schools in late May or early June. Summer camps often open bookings from January, and the popular weeks go first.
Common questions
When is the October mid-term break 2026 in Ireland?
Monday 26 to Friday 30 October 2026, for both primary and secondary schools. Schools reopen on Monday 2 November.
When do schools close for Christmas 2026?
The Christmas break runs from Wednesday 23 December 2026 to Tuesday 5 January 2027, so Tuesday 22 December is the last school day. Schools reopen on Wednesday 6 January 2027.
When is the February mid-term 2027?
Secondary schools are off from Monday 15 to Friday 19 February 2027. Primary schools close on Thursday 18 and Friday 19 February at least, and many take the whole week off using their discretionary days. Everyone is back on Monday 22 February.
When are the Easter holidays 2027?
Monday 22 March to Friday 2 April 2027, for primary and secondary schools. Easter Sunday is 28 March. Schools reopen on Monday 5 April.
When do schools finish for the summer in 2027?
Each school sets its own last day. Primary schools usually finish in late June, and secondary schools in late May or early June, ahead of the State exams.
Are school holidays the same in every school in Ireland?
The mid-term, Christmas and Easter breaks are standardised for all primary and post-primary schools by the Department of Education and Youth (Circular 0018/2026, covering 2026/27 to 2028/29). The first and last days of the year, and a few other closure days, are set by each school, so always check your own school’s calendar.
Dates from the Department of Education and Youth’s Circular 0018/2026 on standardising the school year. Last checked . Spotted something wrong? Let us know.