School Year 2026/27: Key Dates for Ireland
Most schools in Ireland go back for the 2026/27 school year in late August or early September 2026, post-primary schools usually reopen in the last week of August and primary schools at the end of August or start of September. Each school sets its own first day back. Below are all the standardised term dates for the year, set by Department of Education Circular 0018/2026.
Coverage: These dates apply to recognised primary and post-primary schools in the Republic of Ireland. Northern Ireland publishes a separate school calendar.
All 2026/27 term dates
| Break | Primary schools | Secondary schools | Reopen |
|---|---|---|---|
| October Mid-Term Break | Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026 | Mon 26 Oct – Fri 30 Oct 2026 | Monday 2 November 2026 |
| Christmas Holidays | Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027 | Wed 23 Dec 2026 – Tue 5 Jan 2027 | Wednesday 6 January 2027 |
| February Mid-Term Break | Thu 18 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027* | Mon 15 Feb – Fri 19 Feb 2027 | Monday 22 February 2027 |
| Easter Holidays | Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027 | Mon 22 Mar – Sun 4 Apr 2027 | Monday 5 April 2027 |
* Primary schools close for the last two days of the February mid-term week and may use discretionary days to take the full week off, so their break can be shorter than post-primary schools'.
Primary schools close for the summer at the end of June 2027. Post-primary schools generally close at the end of the school year in late May/June 2027, around the start of the State examinations.
Add the 2026/27 school year to your calendar
Frequently asked questions
When do schools go back in September 2026?
Most post-primary schools reopen in the last week of August 2026 and most primary schools reopen at the end of August or the start of September 2026. The Department of Education does not fix a single first day back, each school sets its own reopening date, so check with your child's school.
When is the october mid-term break in 2026/27?
Schools close 26 to 30 October 2026 and reopen on Monday 2 November 2026.
When is the christmas holidays in 2026/27?
Schools close 23 December 2026 to 5 January 2027 and reopen on Wednesday 6 January 2027.
When is the february mid-term break in 2026/27?
Secondary schools close 15 to 19 February 2027 and primary schools 18 to 19 February 2027. All schools reopen on Monday 22 February 2027.
When is the easter holidays in 2026/27?
Schools close 22 March to 4 April 2027 and reopen on Monday 5 April 2027.
Related
Verified against DoE Circular 0018/2026 on 26 July 2026.