Northern Ireland Bank Holidays: Ultimate Holiday Dates

Northern Ireland has ten bank holidays each year, which is more than England and Wales but the same as Scotland. These include UK-wide holidays as well as specific holidays that reflect Northern Ireland’s unique history and cultural traditions. At Coming Holidays, we provide the official Northern Ireland bank holidays. This guide covers everything from substitute day rules to your employment rights, helping you make the most of your time off.

Upcoming Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Bank Holidays for 2025

Northern Ireland Bank Holidays for 2026

Northern Ireland Bank Holidays for 2027

Please note: Official dates for 2027 are typically confirmed closer to the time. The following dates are projections based on the standard calendar.

Complete List of Bank Holidays in Northern Ireland

Unlike other UK nations, Northern Ireland has ten annual bank holidays. This includes shared holidays like the early May bank holiday and the spring bank holiday, as well as its own unique days. The full list is:

• New Year’s Day
• St Patrick’s Day (17 March)
• Good Friday
• Easter Monday
• Early May Bank Holiday (May Day)
• Spring Bank Holiday
• Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) (12 July)
• Summer Bank Holiday (Last Monday of August)
• Christmas Day
• Boxing Day

Understanding Substitute Bank Holidays

Have you ever noticed a substitute day on the calendar? This happens when a bank holiday falls on a weekend. The day off is moved to the following Monday to ensure people don’t miss out. For example, in 2026, Boxing Day is on a Saturday, so the Boxing Day substitute day is on Monday, 28 December. Similarly, when Christmas Day falls on a weekend, a Christmas Day substitute day is declared.

Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day)

This is a holiday specific to Northern Ireland. It commemorates the Battle of the Boyne in 1690. The day is also widely known as Orangemen’s Day and is marked by parades and events. It’s important to be aware that some businesses may have altered hours or closures on this day, especially in certain areas.

Bank Holidays and Your Employment Rights

This is a common area of confusion, so let’s clear it up.

Are businesses closed on bank holidays?

There is no law requiring businesses to close on a bank holiday. While banks and many offices will be shut, it’s up to individual shops, restaurants, and other services to decide their own hours. It’s always best to check ahead to avoid disappointment.

Do I get paid time off for bank holidays?

This depends entirely on your employment contract. There is no automatic legal right to paid leave on bank holidays. Your contract should specify your staff entitlements regarding time off work. Some employers include bank holidays as part of your annual leave allowance, while others may require you to work with no extra pay unless stated otherwise.

Always double-check your contract to understand your specific rights.

For the most official and up-to-date information, always refer to the Government UK website.

Ready to plan the rest of your year? Explore our guides for England Bank Holidays, Scotland Bank Holidays, and Wales Bank Holidays on Coming Holidays!

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Nico Bevan

I've always helped people across the UK plan their year with reliable holiday insights. I'm passionate about accuracy and organization; I ensure every celebration and bank holiday is easy to plan for.