Standardisation of the School Year in respect of Primary & Post-Primary Schools for the year 2025/26. 

The following are the agreed arrangements in respect of the standardisation of the breaks at Christmas, Easter and mid-term in the first and second terms for the school year 2025/26:

Irish school holidays for 2026/27 include an October mid-term (Oct 26-30, 2026), Christmas break (closing Dec 22, 2026–Jan 6, 2027), a February mid-term (Feb 15-19, 2027), and Easter (closing Mar 19, 2027–Apr 5, 2027). Primary schools may extend the February mid-term to 5 days, while post-primary schools have a fixed week-long break. 
 
Key School Holiday Dates 2026/2027
  • October Mid-Term: Closed Monday, 26 October 2026 to Friday, 30 October 2026 inclusive.
  • Christmas Break: Schools close on Tuesday, 22 December 2026, and reopen on Wednesday, 6 January 2027.
  • February Mid-Term:
    • Post-primary: Closed Monday, 15 February 2027 to Friday, 19 February 2027.
    • Primary: Closed Thursday, 18 February 2027 and Friday, 19 February 2027 (can extend to 5 days using discretionary days).
  • Easter Holidays: Schools close on Friday, 19 March 2027, and reopen on Monday, 5 April 2027.
  • St Patrick’s Day: Wednesday, 17 March 2027.
  • Bank Holidays: Schools are closed on bank holidays, typically including Monday, 3 May 2027 and Monday, 7 June 2027. 
Important Notes:
  • Contingency: Schools may adjust holiday dates, particularly for Easter, if they need to make up for days lost to unforeseen closures (e.g., severe weather).
  • Summer Holidays: Generally begin in early June for post-primary and late June for primary schools.