Irish School Calendar 2026/2027: Essential Dates and Calendar 2027 with Irish Holidays

Planning ahead for the school year is a headache, but you need the Irish school calendar 2026/2027 to stay sane. The Department of Education sets the standard breaks, though individual schools may adjust these slightly for local closures or staff training.

If you are looking for a calendar 2027 with Irish holidays or a 2027 calendar with Irish bank holidays, keep in mind that school terms operate independently of public bank holiday schedules. Here is the breakdown of what to expect for the upcoming academic cycle.

Key Terms and School Closures 2026/2027

While official circulars from the Department of Education dictate the major blocks, always check your specific school’s website. They often tack on extra days for in-service training.

• Start of Term: Primary and post-primary schools generally return in late August 2026, usually between August 27th and September 1st.
• October Mid-Term Break: Schools close for the week of the October bank holiday, typically wrapping up by the Friday before the holiday and returning the following Monday.
• Christmas Holidays 2026: Schools close on December 22nd, 2026, and reopen in early January 2027.
• February Mid-Term: A short break occurs in mid-February, coinciding with the St. Brigid’s Day public holiday period.
• Easter Holidays 2027: Schools typically close for two weeks surrounding Easter Sunday, which falls on March 28th, 2027.
• May Bank Holiday: Schools remain closed for the May bank holiday weekend, usually the first Monday in May.
• Summer Holidays: Most primary schools finish by late June, while secondary schools conclude shortly after the State Examinations finish in mid-to-late June.

Integrating Public Holidays

When looking at an Irish calendar 2027 with bank holidays, remember that school closures don’t always align perfectly with the standard public holiday list. For instance, if a public holiday falls on a weekend, the following Monday is usually a bank holiday, which schools will observe as a day off.

It is a common trap to assume every bank holiday is a "long weekend" for students. Always cross-reference your school’s specific calendar with the national 2027 calendar with Irish bank holidays to avoid being the parent who drops their child off at a locked gate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the school calendar 2026/2027 include all public bank holidays?
Schools are closed on all public bank holidays, but they also have additional mid-term breaks and seasonal holidays that are not public bank holidays.

Where can I find an official calendar 2027 with Irish holidays?
You can find the Department of Education’s standardized school year schedule on their official website, which serves as the base for all schools in the country.

Are the summer holidays the same for all students?
No, primary and secondary schools have different finishing dates, especially for students sitting the Junior or Leaving Certificate exams in June 2027.

Mark these dates in your diary now so you aren’t scrambling for childcare when the school gates lock. Preparation is the only way to avoid the mid-term panic that hits every other parent in the country.