Ireland School Holidays 2020 and 2021
This page contains a calendar of all 2020 and 2021 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.
School Year 2019-2020
| School Holidays | Starts | Finishes |
|---|---|---|
| October Holidays | 28 Oct 2019 (Mon) | 1 Nov 2019 (Fri) |
| Christmas Holidays | 23 Dec 2019 (Mon) | 3 Jan 2020 (Fri) |
| February Holidays | 17 Feb 2020 (Mon) | 21 Feb 2020 (Fri) |
| Easter Holidays | 6 Apr 2020 (Mon) | 17 Apr 2020 (Fri) |
School Year 2020-2021
| School Holidays | Starts | Finishes |
|---|---|---|
| October Holidays | 26 Oct 2020 (Mon) | 30 Oct 2020 (Fri) |
| Christmas Holidays | 23 Dec 2020 (Wed) | 5 Jan 2021 (Tue) |
| February Holidays | 15 Feb 2021 (Mon) | 19 Feb 2021 (Fri) |
| Easter Holidays | 29 Mar 2021 (Mon) | 9 Apr 2021 (Fri) |
Please visit education.ie for the original release of the 2019-2020 approved calendar and 2020-2021 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.