Bank Holidays Ireland 2026–2027: Dates, Long Weekends & Thoughtful Gift Ideas

There’s something lovely about having a bank holiday to look forward to. Whether it's a well-deserved day off, a little getaway, catching up with family and friends or simply enjoying a slower pace, these dates give us all something to plan around.

And while we're busy marking the calendar, it's worth remembering that bank holidays and long weekends are also wonderful opportunities to make someone feel special.

At The Ideal Gift, we believe thoughtful gifting doesn't need to be complicated or expensive. It's about choosing something that makes someone smile.

If you're planning ahead, here's your guide to the upcoming Irish bank holidays from November 2026 right through to Christmas 2027, along with a little inspiration for making the most of them!

Irish bank holiday dates: November 2026 to December 2027

There are ten public holidays in Ireland each year. Here's a handy calendar of the remaining 2026 dates and all the 2027 public holidays.

(Good Friday is not an official public holiday in Ireland) 

Christmas 2026: It's the little things that matter

Christmas is perhaps the most obvious time of year for thoughtful gifting, but it can also be one of the busiest.

Between Christmas shopping, family gatherings, festive plans and trying to remember everyone on the list, it's easy to leave a few gifts until the last minute.

A little planning can make all the difference.

Whether you're looking for a present for a friend, a sister, a colleague or someone who deserves a little extra appreciation, jewellery and personalised gifts are lovely ways to show you've thought about them.

Our personalised scented candles make a particularly thoughtful present. With a beautiful floral bouquet fragrance, a personalised touch, gift bag and matches included, they're a lovely way to make a gift feel that bit more special.

Discover thoughtful gifts at The Ideal Gift.

New Year 2027: A fresh start and a little kindness

Friday, 1 January gives us a lovely opportunity to welcome the new year with a fresh outlook.

New Year is often about resolutions, new beginnings and spending more time with the people who matter.

But why not start the year by doing something small for someone else?

A little surprise for a friend, a thank-you gift for someone who supported you throughout the year or even a treat for yourself can be a lovely way to begin January.

After all, kindness doesn't need a special occasion.

Maybe a gorgeous bracelet would make someones day.

St Brigid's Day: Welcome a little spring

Monday, 1 February brings Ireland's St Brigid's Day public holiday.

It's a lovely reminder that spring is on its way, bringing brighter mornings, longer evenings and a little more colour after the winter months.

It's also a great excuse to brighten someone's day.

Think pretty bracelets, delicate earrings or a little gift for someone who could do with a pick-me-up. Sometimes a small surprise can turn an ordinary Monday into something special.

St Patrick's Day: Celebrate the Irish way

Wednesday, 17 March is St Patrick's Day.

Whether you're heading out to enjoy the celebrations, spending time with family or simply enjoying a day off, it's a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all things Irish. Even have a lovely cuppa tea! Are you a Barrys or a Lyons house?! Or maybe you prefer the organic stuff!!

It's also a lovely time to support Irish small businesses!

When you shop with a small Irish business, you're doing more than buying a product. You're supporting someone's hard work, creativity and ambition.

At The Ideal Gift, every order is appreciated, every parcel is carefully prepared and every customer helps a small business keep growing.

That's something worth celebrating!

Easter 2027: Little spring surprises

Easter Monday falls on 29 March in 2027, giving us a lovely long weekend as spring gets underway.

Easter is often associated with chocolate, flowers and family time, but it can also be a lovely opportunity to give something a little different. Especially if you're heading off to a wedding. Maybe your looking for something different and really special?

You don't always need a big occasion to give a gift. Sometimes the unexpected ones are the nicest.

May and June: Make the most of those long weekends

May's bank holiday falls on Monday, 3 May, followed by the June bank holiday on Monday, 7 June.

These are two lovely opportunities to enjoy a little more time outdoors, arrange a catch-up with friends or plan a weekend away.

And if you're visiting someone, don't forget the little host or hostess gift.

A beautifully presented candle, a thoughtful accessory or a small token of appreciation is a lovely way to say thank you for having me.

It's not about how much you spend. It's about showing that you care.

August: Summer celebrations and thoughtful surprises

The August bank holiday falls on Monday, 2 August.

By this stage of the year, summer is in full swing and there may be birthdays, family gatherings, holidays and plenty of reasons to celebrate.

If you're looking for a birthday gift, a little thank-you or something lovely for a friend, jewellery is always a thoughtful option.

A bracelet or pair of earrings can make a beautiful present without breaking the bank.

And if you're treating yourself? Well, we think that's perfectly acceptable too!

October: Cosy autumn days and early Christmas planning

Monday, 25 October is the October bank holiday in 2027.

The evenings are getting darker, the cosy jumpers are coming out and thoughts may already be turning towards Christmas.

This is actually a brilliant time to get ahead with your Christmas shopping.

Instead of leaving everything until December, why not start making a list of the people you'd love to treat?

Think about the little things they enjoy, their favourite colours, their personal style and the gifts that would make them smile.

Shopping early can take away some of the festive pressure and leave you free to enjoy the season.

It's also a lovely opportunity to support small Irish businesses before the busiest shopping period of the year.

Christmas 2027: Make it personal

Christmas Day falls on Saturday, 25 December 2027, with St Stephen's Day on Sunday, 26 December.

It might seem a long way away, but Christmas has a habit of arriving faster than we expect!

A personalised gift can be a lovely way to make someone feel remembered. Whether it's a candle, a piece of jewellery or a little present chosen with care, it's often the thought behind the gift that makes it memorable.

At The Ideal Gift, we love the idea of helping people find those little treasures that make someone say, "Oh, that's lovely!"

Because that's what gifting should be about.

A little gift goes a long way

Looking ahead at the bank holiday calendar is about more than planning days off. It's about making time for the people who matter, celebrating the little occasions and finding opportunities to show appreciation.

You don't need to wait for birthdays, Christmas or Valentine's Day to make someone smile.

A small surprise, a thoughtful gesture or a gift chosen just because can mean so much.

Whether you're shopping for a friend, a family member, a colleague or treating yourself, we'd love you to take a look around The Ideal Gift.

We're a small Irish business with a love for thoughtful gifts, pretty details and making every order feel special.

Explore our collection at www.theidealgift.ie and find a little something lovely for someone special.

Thank you for supporting small Irish businesses. It really does mean the world.

The Ideal Gift – thoughtful little gifts, made for lovely moments.