There are 6 main Northern Ireland School Holidays during the academic year, including autumn, Christmas, spring, Easter, and summer breaks, along with mid-term holidays. Term dates are set by the Department of Education, though some variations can occur between schools.
In Northern Ireland, the academic year typically includes key breaks for Easter, Halloween, and St Patrick’s Day, alongside specific bank holidays like May Day.
Northern Ireland School Holidays: Full Dates
Northern Ireland School Holidays for 2026
Please note that schools have the discretion to adjust these dates to suit their individual circumstances. The following are the standard inclusive dates for the Northern Ireland School Holidays 2026 academic year.
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Schools Resume after Summer Holiday | 1 September 2025 | – |
| Halloween Holidays | 30 October 2025 | 31 October 2025 |
| Christmas and New Year Holidays | 22 December 2025 | 2 January 2026 |
| February Half Term Holidays | 12 February 2026 | 13 February 2026 |
| St Patrick’s Day | 17 March 2026 | – |
| Easter School Holidays | 2 April 2026 | 10 April 2026 |
| May Day (Bank Holiday) | 4 May 2026 | – |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 25 May 2026 | – |
| Summer Holiday Begins | 1 July 2026 | – |
Northern Ireland School Holidays for 2027
Looking further ahead? Here are the Northern Ireland School Holidays for 2027. Remember, these dates are a guide, and it is always worth checking school-to-school variations, especially for staff training days.
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Schools Resume after Summer Holiday | 1 September 2026 | – |
| Halloween Holidays | 29 October 2026 | 30 October 2026 |
| Christmas and New Year Holidays | 21 December 2026 | 1 January 2027 |
| February Half Term Holidays | 11 February 2027 | 12 February 2027 |
| St Patrick’s Day | 17 March 2027 | – |
| Easter School Holidays | 25 March 2027 | 2 April 2027 |
| May Day (Bank Holiday) | 3 May 2027 | – |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 31 May 2027 | – |
| Summer Holiday Begins | 1 July 2027 | – |
| Additional Closure Days | *25 Sept 2026* | *25 Jan 2027 & 4 May 2027* |
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Get in TouchNorthern Ireland School Holidays for 2028
While dates this far out are provisional, the pattern for Northern Ireland School Holidays for 2028 is typically based on the previous year’s structure.
| Holiday | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|
| Schools Resume after Summer Holiday | 1 September 2027 | – |
| Halloween Holidays | 27 October 2028 | 28 October 2028 |
| Christmas and New Year Holidays | 21 December 2028 | 5 January 2029 |
| February Half Term Holidays | 10 February 2028 | 11 February 2028 |
| St Patrick’s Day | 17 March 2028 | – |
| Easter School Holidays | 14 April 2028 | 22 April 2028 |
| May Day (Bank Holiday) | 1 May 2028 | – |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 29 May 2028 | – |
| Summer Holiday Begins | 1 July 2028 | – |
Key Holiday Breakdown: Summer, Christmas & Easter
The three longest breaks in the academic year are the summer holiday, the Christmas holidays, and the Easter school holidays.
- Summer Holidays: This is the longest break, beginning on 1 July and running until the start of the new school year in September. It’s the prime time for family holidays.
- Christmas and New Year School Holidays: Running from just before Christmas until early January, this break includes Christmas, New Year, and allows for a two-week rest period.
- Easter School Holidays: The timing of Easter varies each year, but the school break usually covers the Good Friday and Easter Monday period, often spanning one to two weeks.
Understanding Staff Training and Development Days
It is common for schools to close for staff training days, also known as school development days. These are non-operational dates where pupils do not attend. The number of these days and the specific dates are set at the discretion of schools. They are often used for curriculum planning and professional development. Because these dates are school-to-school, you must check your specific school’s calendar.
Explore Official UK Public Holiday Dates
Access verified public holiday dates, yearly calendars, and regional breakdowns all in one place. Our regularly updated guide ensures you never miss an important UK holiday.
View UK Public HolidaysBank Holidays and Public Closures in NI
Bank holidays in Northern Ireland differ slightly from the rest of the UK. These are official public holidays when schools are closed. Key dates to remember are:
- St Patrick’s Day (17 March): A unique school holiday in Northern Ireland celebrating the patron saint.
- May Day: An early May bank holiday.
- Spring Bank Holiday: A late May bank holiday.
- Halloween (31 October): While not a bank holiday, the October half term holidays usually coincide with Halloween, giving children time off at the end of October.
Explore Other Holidays:
- UK School Holidays
- England School Holidays
- Scotland School Holidays
- Wales School Holidays
- Northern Ireland School Holidays
- UK Public Holidays
- UK Public Holidays 2026
- Easter Holidays UK
We hope this guide to Northern Ireland School Holidays helps you coordinate family time, book holidays, and stay one step ahead of the academic year. Remember to always verify specific term end dates and training days with your local school to account for any local variations.
FAQs
When do schools resume after the summer holiday in Northern Ireland?
Schools typically resume on 1 September. If this date falls on a weekend, the resume date is usually the following Monday.
How many school holidays are there in a Northern Ireland academic year?
There are usually seven main breaks: Summer, Christmas, Easter, February half term, Halloween, and two bank holiday breaks (May Day and Spring Bank Holiday).
Are schools closed for St Patrick’s Day in Northern Ireland?
What is the difference between a school holiday and a staff training day?
A school holiday is a break for students, while a staff training day (or school development day) is a closure for teacher training; pupils do not attend on these days.
Do all schools in Northern Ireland have the same term dates?
Generally, yes for major holidays, but schools have the discretion to set their own staff training days, so dates for those can vary school-to-school.
Is the October half term always at Halloween?
Yes, the October half term holidays are scheduled to coincide with the Halloween period at the end of October.
Where can I find the exact term dates for my child’s specific school?
You should check your school’s own website or contact them directly, as they will publish their specific non-operational dates and staff training days.
What happens if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?
Usually, the following Monday is taken as the holiday instead, ensuring the bank holiday is observed.
When does the spring term end in Northern Ireland?
The spring term usually ends just before the Easter school holidays. For example, in 2026, the term ends on 1 April, ready for the break starting 2 April.
Useful Resources
For the most official and up-to-date information, please refer to the following resources:
Visit the official NI Education website 🡵
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