Got an idea for a holiday? Send it to us

Submit Now

MonOct 27

October Bank Holiday – October 27, 2025

The October Bank Holiday, which is usually observed on the last Monday of October, is celebrated on October 27 this year. People enjoy bank holidays since it is a public holiday that provides them with a long weekend to unwind or take part in one of the many ongoing events. It has been observed since 1977 and is a great time for individuals to spend with their families. It is usually commemorated closely around Halloween. With only a few businesses open and the banks closed, people look forward to events like the Dublin Marathon and Halloween celebrations, and it’s a terrific time to celebrate as a worker.

History of October Bank Holiday

Following Ireland’s admission to the European Economic Community in 1973, the country’s number of public holidays was lower than the number specified for workers by the European Economic Community. Mr. Michael O’Leary, the Minister of Labor was responding to a request to bring Ireland more in line with the number of annual public holidays provided to workers in the European Economic Community (E.E.C., later known as the E.U.), which Ireland joined in 1973.

The first celebration of the holiday took place in 1977. There were no specific reasons for choosing the last Monday in October as the date for its celebration. However, because schools in Ireland typically have their half-term school vacation towards the end of October and the beginning of November, the government felt that the time would be excellent for the holiday to be included in the week-long break.

Another reason was that there were no holidays between the summer and winter seasons in Ireland, so establishing one in October would help to bridge the large gap between the two. With the introduction of the October Bank Holiday, Ireland gained the first and only holiday in the autumn season. Since then, the Irish have honored the October Bank Holiday, as well as the associated customs and traditions.

October Bank Holiday timeline

1871
Introduction Of the Bank Holiday Act

Because of the act, banks in the United Kingdom and Ireland are required to remain closed on the first Monday of August.

1933
First Bank Holiday

Franklin D. Roosevelt declares a bank holiday on March 6, effectively shutting down the banking system.

1973
Ireland Joins The European Economic Community

Ireland gains admission into the European Economic Community.

1977
First October Bank Holiday

The celebration of the first October Bank Holiday is held.

October Bank Holiday FAQs

Why is it called a bank holiday?

Bank holidays refer to all public holidays in the United Kingdom, but as a general rule, banking institutions are closed during these periods.

How many banks are in Ireland?

There are a total of 64 banks in Ireland.

How many bank holidays are there in Ireland?

There are 10 bank holidays in Ireland, which include New Year’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, Day of Remembrance and Recognition, Easter Monday, Early May Bank Holiday, June Bank Holiday, August Bank Holiday, October Bank Holiday, Christmas Day, and St. Stephen’s Day.

October Bank Holiday Activities

  1. Attend the Dublin Marathon

    The marathon, which is usually held the day before the October Bank Holiday, attracts international runners. Purchase your ticket as soon as possible because the marathon can sell out months in advance.

  2. Take part in Halloween activities

    It is not uncommon for people to take part in Halloween-related events, especially if they coincide with the celebration. As a result, if the October Bank Holiday falls on October 31, Halloween-themed events will be featured. Adults and children alike can be seen dressed up for the occasion, besides trick-or-treating.

  3. Make time for travel

    Many Irish people take advantage of the opportunity to travel throughout the country or overseas. If you do decide to go, make all necessary arrangements ahead of time because other people will want to travel as well.

5 Facts About Banking In Ireland

  1. The Ireland banking system

    There are several similarities between the Irish and United Kingdom banking systems.

  2. The Central Bank of Ireland

    Traditional central banking responsibilities, such as financial regulation, fall within the purview of the Central Bank of Ireland.

  3. The New Central Bank of Ireland

    The Central Bank, the Financial Services Authority of Ireland, and the Financial Regulator were merged into a new Central Bank of Ireland structure in 2010.

  4. Retail banks

    A wide range of banking services, including current accounts and mortgages, are offered by retail banks.

  5. The oldest bank

    The oldest bank is the Bank of Ireland, which was established by the Bank of Ireland Act, passed by the Parliament of Ireland in 1871.

Why We Love October Bank Holiday

  1. It is linked to other holidays

    The October long weekend has been unofficially tied to the themes of various events. The secular Halloween event, which takes place every year on October 31 and sometimes coincides with the bank holiday, combines parts of Samhain, All Saints’ Day, and All Souls Day as well.

  2. It is a time to rest

    Most businesses and banks are closed during this time. It is a time when most workers may relax and enjoy the events that follow the October bank holiday.

  3. There is a bridge between summer and winter holidays

    The October Bank Holiday bridges the gap between summer and winter vacations for people. We may spend time with our families, laughing with them and making new memories.

October Bank Holiday dates

Year Date Day
2022 October 31 Monday
2023 October 30 Monday
2024 October 28 Monday
2025 October 27 Monday
2026 October 26 Monday
October
Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
 
 

Holidays Straight to Your Inbox

Every day is a holiday!
Receive fresh holidays directly to your inbox.