Bank and public holidays in Northern Ireland

The expected dates and days of Northern Ireland bank and public holidays for this year, and the next year, are listed below.

*In 2025, Monday 14 July 2025 is a substitute day as 12 July falls on a Saturday.

**In 2026, Monday 13 July 2026 is a substitute day as 12 July falls on a Sunday.

***In 2026, Monday 28 December is a substitute day as 26 December falls on a Saturday.

What are bank and public holidays?

Bank holidays are holidays when banks and many other businesses are closed for the day. Public holidays are holidays that have been observed through custom and practice, such as Christmas Day.

Special bank holidays

There are laws that allow the dates of bank holidays to be changed, or other holidays to be declared, for example, to celebrate special occasions.

Time off for staff on bank or public holidays

As an employer, you don't have to provide paid leave on bank and public holidays, though many employers will provide this. Any right to time off or extra pay for working on a bank holiday depends on the terms of the employment contract with your employees.

Find out about employees' rights on pay and time off on public and bank holidays and for more information about paid leave, see know how much holiday to give your staff.