The Christmas school holidays in Ireland in 2026 begin after school finishes on Tuesday, December 22. Primary and secondary schools in the Republic of Ireland reopen on Wednesday, January 6, 2027.
That means 14 full days without school, from December 23 to January 5 inclusive. If you’re arranging childcare or annual leave, remember that Monday, January 4, and Tuesday, January 5, are still part of the break.
Christmas School Holidays Ireland 2026: Key Dates
The Department of Education and Youth’s Circular 0018/2026 sets the Christmas dates for primary and post-primary schools. December 22 is the final school day, rather than the first full day of the holidays.
| Milestone | Date | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| Last school day | Tuesday, December 22, 2026 | Pupils attend school; check the collection time |
| First full day off | Wednesday, December 23, 2026 | The first full day to cover without school |
| Final day of the break | Tuesday, January 5, 2027 | Schools remain closed |
| Back to school | Wednesday, January 6, 2027 | Pupils return after Christmas |
| Length of break | 14 calendar days | December 23–January 5 inclusive, including weekends |
Do Primary and Secondary Schools Have the Same Christmas Break?
Yes. The standardised Christmas closure and reopening dates are the same for primary and secondary schools, also called post-primary schools. These dates cover the Republic of Ireland; families with children at school in Northern Ireland should check their school’s calendar separately.
Keep your child’s school notices handy for collection arrangements on December 22 and any operational updates. The national calendar gives the dates, but it does not specify your school’s dismissal time.
Which Dates Might Need Christmas Childcare?
Start with the entire school closure, then mark the dates you’re actually due to work. There are 10 weekdays within the fortnight, but that does not mean every parent needs 10 days of annual leave.
- December 23–24: the first two weekdays without school, immediately before Christmas.
- December 28–31: four weekdays between Christmas and New Year. Check whether your workplace and childcare provider are open.
- January 4–5: two weekdays after New Year’s weekend when schools are still closed.
- December 25 and January 1: public holidays, though some parents will still be rostered to work.
Ask your crèche, childminder, after-school service or holiday club for its own Christmas opening dates. School term dates do not confirm childcare availability. Before booking, check the age range, daily hours, collection arrangements and cancellation terms.
Christmas School Holidays vs Public Holidays
School holidays cover the full fortnight. Public holidays are individual dates within it, and they do not guarantee that every workplace or childcare service closes.
| Public Holiday | Date |
|---|---|
| Christmas Day | Friday, December 25, 2026 |
| St Stephen’s Day | Saturday, December 26, 2026 |
| New Year’s Day | Friday, January 1, 2027 |
St Stephen’s Day falls on a Saturday in 2026. The Workplace Relations Commission explains that a weekend public holiday does not create an automatic legal entitlement to the next working day off. Confirm how your employer will provide the applicable public-holiday benefit before assuming Monday, December 28, is free.
Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve are not statutory public holidays in the Republic of Ireland, although individual workplaces may close or shorten their hours. For the wider calendar, see our Ireland bank holidays 2026 guide.
Simple Ideas for the Days at Home
Once the childcare dates are covered, leave room for a few easy days. Making paper decorations, baking together or visiting a local playground can fill an afternoon without another big booking.
Our guide to Irish Christmas traditions offers festive customs to explore as a family. For older children interested in learning a card game, try our step-by-step guide to Twenty-Five and Forty-Fives.
Christmas School Holiday FAQs
Are Schools Open on December 22, 2026?
Yes. Tuesday, December 22, is the scheduled final school day before Christmas. Check your school’s notice for the collection time.
How Long Are the Christmas School Holidays in Ireland?
The 2026 Christmas break lasts 14 full calendar days, including weekends, from December 23 through January 5. Pupils return on January 6.
Are Schools Back on Monday, January 4, 2027?
No. January 4 and January 5 are both within the Christmas break. The scheduled reopening day is Wednesday, January 6.
Do Crèches Follow the School Christmas Holidays?
Do not assume so. Ask your provider for its Christmas closure and reopening dates, which may differ from the school calendar.
