October midterm 2026 in the Republic of Ireland runs from Monday 26 to Friday 30 October for both primary and secondary schools. The last scheduled school day is Friday 23 October, and pupils return on Monday 2 November.
Including the weekends on either side, that means nine consecutive days away from school, from 24 October to 1 November. Monday 26 October is also a public holiday, while Halloween falls on Saturday 31 October.
Here are the dates to put in your calendar, how the bank holiday affects childcare planning, and ideas for family activities that fit around the break. The school dates come from the Department of Education’s Circular 0018/2026, Appendix A.
October Midterm 2026: School Dates at a Glance
These dates apply to primary and post-primary schools in the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland has separate arrangements.
| What to put in the diary | Date |
|---|---|
| Last school day | Friday 23 October 2026 |
| Weekday school break | Monday 26–Friday 30 October 2026 |
| October public holiday | Monday 26 October 2026 |
| Halloween | Saturday 31 October 2026 |
| Back to school | Monday 2 November 2026 |
The five weekday closures are only part of the family-planning picture. Children also have the weekends of 24–25 October and 31 October–1 November off. If you’re travelling, keep the Monday return in mind when choosing the journey home.
Do Primary and Secondary Schools Have the Same October Break?
Yes. Both school levels have the full week, 26–30 October. Primary schools do not have the shorter October arrangement that sometimes causes confusion with February.
The option allowing primary schools to use three discretionary days to extend a two-day midterm applies to February. It does not add three days to October’s standard break.
The circular also requires schools to be open for tuition on the weekday immediately before and after each standardised break. For October 2026, those dates are Friday 23 October and Monday 2 November. Routine discretionary days should not be treated as an automatic extension to this holiday.
Childcare During October Midterm: Four Days or Five?
Start with your actual work roster, not just the number of days school is closed. The Workplace Relations Commission lists Monday 26 October as a 2026 public holiday, but public-holiday benefits do not mean every employee has that day off.
For a Monday-to-Friday working week:
- If Monday is already covered because you’re off: plan childcare or agreed leave for Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 October, four weekdays.
- If you work Monday as well: plan cover for Monday 26 to Friday 30 October, five weekdays.
- If you work shifts, weekends or part-time: count your scheduled working hours across the break, including the weekends where relevant.
Next, compare the provider’s hours with your workday and travel time. A camp that ends at lunchtime may be a good activity without covering the afternoon. Arrange the remaining hours before relying on the booking for work cover.
What to Check Before Booking a Camp or Childcare Place
- Operating dates: does it open on the public holiday and every other day you need?
- Daily hours: check drop-off, collection and any extended-hours option.
- Age range and support: confirm suitability for your child and whether siblings can attend together.
- Total price: ask about meals, materials and extra-hours charges.
- Booking terms: get confirmation and check cancellation arrangements before making other commitments.
If you need a childcare service, Tusla’s registered-services directory links to both school-age and preschool registers. It helps you identify services to contact; it does not confirm midterm opening hours, suitability or available places. For more guidance, use Tusla’s information for parents about school-age services.
Our Ireland bank holidays 2026 guide can help with wider annual-leave planning.
Halloween 2026: Plan the Weekend Separately
Halloween is Saturday 31 October, after the five weekday school closures. That makes it a weekend outing for many families, rather than a substitute for Tuesday’s childcare.
Use our Halloween in Ireland 2026 events guide to find ideas, then confirm the organiser’s dates and booking information. Events may run before, during or after midterm. Check the specific session rather than assuming every Halloween event takes place during the school break.
Before buying tickets, check age guidance, how frightening the experience is, session length and whether adults must accompany children. A “family ticket” describes the booking, but it may not tell you whether the event suits a nervous five-year-old.
Choose an Outing That Fits Your Family
- Preschool children: consider a short daytime outing, library visit or Halloween crafts, with little travel or waiting.
- Primary-age children: look for a museum visit, craft session, sports activity or daylight park walk. Check opening hours and booking requirements.
- Older children and teenagers: consider workshops, cinema trips or Halloween attractions with clear age guidance.
- Mixed-age siblings: choose somewhere with manageable distances, toilets and a place to take a break. Check buggy and step-free access if needed.
For outdoor days, check the forecast close to departure and keep an indoor alternative. Our guide to October weather in Ireland gives seasonal context; the day’s forecast is the better guide to the outing itself. If you’re travelling for the break, use our Ireland packing essentials to organise rain gear and walking clothes.
Before Midterm Starts: A Quick Parent Checklist
- Confirm the finishing time on Friday 23 October.
- Check your work roster, including the public holiday.
- Match childcare dates and hours to the cover you need.
- Check activity tickets, ages and accompaniment requirements.
- Leave time to get home and ready for school on Monday 2 November.
Keep your school’s latest notices handy for collection arrangements or any exceptional disruption. The national midterm dates are the starting point; a provider booking or travel reservation still needs its own confirmation.
October Midterm 2026: Quick Answers
What Is the Last School Day Before October Midterm?
Friday 23 October 2026 is the scheduled final school day before the break for both primary and secondary pupils in the Republic of Ireland.
When Do Schools Reopen After Halloween?
Schools return on Monday 2 November 2026. Halloween falls on the Saturday immediately before that return.
Are These Also Northern Ireland’s Dates?
No. This guide covers the Republic of Ireland. Use the relevant Northern Ireland school calendar for a child attending school there.
Dates and guidance checked on 20 October 2026. Sources: Department of Education Circular 0018/2026, the Workplace Relations Commission and Tusla. You can read the Department’s school-year circular as a PDF hosted by ASTI.
