October Long Weekends in Ireland

What the October Bank Holiday Is

In Ireland, the October Bank Holiday (also called the October Holiday, October Bank Holiday, or Lá Saoire i mí Dheireadh Fómhair in Irish) is a national public holiday observed on the last Monday in October each year.

For 2026, the holiday falls on Monday, 26 October — giving a long weekend (Saturday–Monday) for most people.

This long weekend is Ireland’s only official autumn bank holiday, strategically placed between the summer and Christmas break to break up the working year.

When It Happens

• The holiday is always on the last Monday in October — so the long weekend is typically Saturday, Sunday, Monday.
• It often coincides with Halloween celebrations (31 October), but the bank holiday date itself isn’t fixed to Halloween — it’s the last Monday of the month.

Culture & Activities

The October long weekend is more than a day off — it’s become part of Ireland’s autumn cultural rhythm:

• Festivals and sporting events often take place over the weekend, including local fairs, races, and community gatherings.
• With Halloween typically close by, many people use the long weekend for Halloween-related activities — from pumpkin picking to community events

Summary: October Long Weekends in Ireland

Also see: Mother’s Day in Ireland 2026