There are 10 Northern Ireland Public Holidays observed each year, giving the region more official bank holidays than other parts of the UK. These dates reflect important national, religious, and cultural traditions, including events unique to Northern Ireland. Knowing the full schedule helps individuals and businesses plan effectively.
This guide to Northern Ireland Public Holidays provides the complete list of official dates, explains their significance, and clarifies how substitute days apply when holidays fall on weekends. Some holidays differ from those in Great Britain.
Northern Ireland Public Holidays 2026
Here are the official Northern Ireland public holidays for 2026. Note that two dates are substitute days because the original holidays fall on weekends .
2026 total: 10 public holidays
Northern Ireland Public Holidays 2027
The 2027 public holidays in Northern Ireland include two substitute days for Christmas and New Year .
2027 total: 10 public holidays
Northern Ireland Public Holidays 2028
The 2028 bank holidays Northern Ireland list includes a substitute day for New Year’s Day .
| Date 2028 | Day | Holiday Name |
|---|---|---|
| 3 January | Monday | New Year’s Day – substitute day |
| 17 March | Friday | St Patrick’s Day |
| 14 April | Friday | Good Friday |
| 17 April | Monday | Easter Monday |
| 1 May | Monday | Early May bank holiday |
| 29 May | Monday | Spring bank holiday |
| 12 July | Wednesday | Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) |
| 28 August | Monday | Summer bank holiday |
| 25 December | Monday | Christmas Day |
| 26 December | Tuesday | Boxing Day |
2028 total: 10 public holidays
The “Substitute Day” Rule Explained
Here’s the straightforward rule: If a bank holiday falls on a weekend, a ‘substitute’ weekday becomes the official bank holiday—normally the following Monday .
Examples from our tables:
- In 2026, Boxing Day (26 December) is a Saturday, so the substitute day is Monday 28 December .
- In 2027, Christmas Day falls on a Saturday, so the substitute day is Monday 27 December .
- In 2028, New Year’s Day falls on a Saturday, so the substitute day is Monday 3 January.
This rule ensures everyone still gets their public holiday entitlement even when dates fall on weekends.
Unique Holidays in Northern Ireland
What makes Northern Ireland bank holidays special? Two holidays are unique to Northern Ireland and reflect its distinct cultural heritage.
St Patrick’s Day (17 March)
Northern Ireland’s only UK region with St Patrick’s Day as an official public holiday . Celebrated with parades in Belfast and Downpatrick, this marks the patron saint’s feast day with community events and festivities .
The Twelfth / Battle of the Boyne (12 July)
Known officially as Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day), this holiday commemorates the 1690 Battle of the Boyne . It’s a major Ulster Protestant celebration with parades, bonfires on “Eleventh Night,” and cultural events across Northern Ireland . When 12 July falls on a Sunday, the public holiday moves to Monday 13 July—as happened in 2026 .
These two additions give Northern Ireland residents 10 public holidays annually, compared to 8 in England and Wales and 9 in Scotland .
School Holidays and Term Dates Northern Ireland
Family holiday planning? Here are Northern Ireland school holidays for 2025–2026 to help coordinate with bank holidays .
| Holiday | 2025/2026 Dates (inclusive) |
|---|---|
| Schools resume | 1 September 2025 |
| Halloween | 30 & 31 October 2025 |
| Christmas & New Year | 22 December 2025 – 2 January 2026 |
| Mid-term | 12 & 13 February 2026 |
| St Patrick’s Day | 17 March 2026 |
| Easter | 2 April – 10 April 2026 |
| May Day | 4 May 2026 |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 25 May 2026 |
| Summer holiday begins | 1 July 2026 |
Note: Schools may also take staff training days that vary by school. Always check with your specific school for exact dates.
Planning Around Northern Ireland Bank Holidays
Maximize your time off with these smart strategies.
Create Long Weekends
- 2026: St Patrick’s Day (Tuesday) – book Monday 16 March for 4 days off
- 2026: Battle of the Boyne substitute (Monday) – enjoy a guaranteed long weekend
- 2027: Boxing Day (Tuesday) – book Monday 27 December for 4 days off
Family Holiday Activities
- Easter Monday (April): Parks, egg rolling, and outdoor events
- May Day (Early May): Maypole dancing, local festivals, countryside walks
- Summer Bank Holiday (August): Last chance for beach trips before summer ends
Consider Business Closures
Many businesses close on bank holidays. Check transport and shop opening times in advance, especially on substitute days which carry the same weight as the original holiday.
Explore Other Public Holidays:
- UK Public Holidays
- UK Public Holidays 2026
- England Public Holidays
- Wales Public Holidays
- Scotland Public Holidays
- Northern Ireland Public Holidays
Remember the substitute day rule: if a holiday lands on a weekend, you’ll get the following Monday off instead. Happy planning!
FAQs
Do employees get bank holidays off?
How many public holidays does Northern Ireland have?
10 per year. Northern Ireland gets two extra holidays compared to England and Wales: St Patrick’s Day and Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day).
Are substitute days official holidays?
Yes. When a bank holiday falls on a weekend, the substitute day (usually the following Monday) becomes the official public holiday with full legal status.
Do part-time workers get bank holidays?
Pro-rata entitlement applies. Part-time workers are entitled to fair treatment, with bank holiday benefits calculated proportionally to their hours.
What’s the difference between bank and public holidays?
Minimal practical difference. Bank holidays are when banks close by law; public holidays are observed through custom (like Christmas Day). Most people treat them the same.
Is Good Friday always a holiday?
Yes. Good Friday is observed across the UK, including Northern Ireland, as a public holiday.
Can employers require work on bank holidays?
Yes, if your contract says so. If your contract states bank holidays are working days, you may need to work—though many offer overtime pay or time in lieu.
Why does Northern Ireland have different holidays?
Historical and cultural reasons. St Patrick’s Day reflects Ireland’s patron saint, while Battle of the Boyne commemorates a pivotal 1690 battle significant to Ulster Protestant heritage.
Are all 10 holidays statutory?
Yes, all 10 are official public holidays. The dates are published by the government and recognized across Northern Ireland
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