October Bank Holiday in Ireland

The last Monday of October (Lá Saoire i mí Dheireadh Fómhair), or the Halloween Holiday (Lá Saoire Oíche Shamhna), is a time of cultural festivals. It falls on the day after daylight saving time ends in many years.

Friends and family catching up for dinner during the holiday. ©iStockphoto.com/Catherine Yeulet

What do people do?

Many cultural and sporting events are held during the October holiday weekend. These events include:

• The Dublin marathon.
• Theater, arts and fashion festivals.
• Music performances by Irish musicians or inspired by Ireland's history.
• Celebrations of traditional and modern Irish food and drink.
• Halloween themed events.

The October holiday weekend is also a popular time for people to take a short break or longer fall vacation in Ireland or abroad.

Public life

Banks, post offices and many other businesses and organizations are closed on the last Monday of October. However, stores and pubs are generally open, although they may open later and close earlier than usual. Public transport service schedules vary depending on where one lives and intends to travel. There may be some local disruption to traffic as roads are closed for sporting events, particularly in Dublin.

Background

Many schools in the Republic of Ireland have a week-long holiday at the end of October and/or the beginning of November. Daylight saving time also ends in the early hours of the last Sunday of October in Ireland.

The October Holiday on the last Monday of October was introduced by the Holidays (Employees) Act, 1973 (Public Holiday) Regulations, 1977. It was first observed in 1977. The October Holiday weekend is often falls in the same week as Halloween. Hence, it is sometimes known as the Halloween Holiday.

October Bank Holiday Observances

Other holidays in October 2012 in Ireland