Ireland School Holidays
This page contains a calendar of all upcoming school holidays in Ireland. These dates are unlikely to be modified by the Department of Education and Skills. However, please check back regularly for any updates that may occur.
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School Holidays 2025-2026
| School Holidays | Starts | Finishes |
|---|---|---|
| October Holidays | 27 Oct 2025 (Mon) | 31 Oct 2025 (Fri) |
| Christmas Holidays | 22 Dec 2025 (Mon) | 2 Jan 2026 (Fri) |
| February Holidays | 16 Feb 2026 (Mon) | 20 Feb 2026 (Fri) |
| Easter Holidays | 30 Mar 2026 (Mon) | 10 Apr 2026 (Fri) |
Please visit citizensinformation.ie for the original release of the 2025-2026 approved calendar.
School holidays in the Republic of Ireland are determined by the Department of Education and Skills. The school year is divided into 2 terms. Each school year begins on the first week of September and ends either early June (post primary schools) or late June (primary schools) for the summer holidays.
The Education Department issues a circular that consists of the school holiday dates for 3 subsequent school years. These dates are usually agreed upon by the parties to the Teachers’ Conciliation Council. The holiday breaks in Ireland schools include – Christmas, Easter and 2 mid-term breaks (February and October).
In reaching the agreement of the school holiday dates, the parties have factored the timing of bank holidays and Easter public holidays in Ireland; and the flexibility for contingency arrangements for schools (such as, unforeseen school closures due to bad weather).
Primary schools may use 3 discretionary days to extend the February holidays to a 5-day break.