Holidaymakers can stretch their 25 days of annual leave into significantly more time off in 2026 by strategically aligning with bank holidays, potentially yielding extended breaks around Easter, summer, and Christmas.
Travel agents recommend booking early to hit hotspots at optimal times, avoiding peak crowds and prices. This approach supports the rising demand for longer, value-driven trips, as Irish travellers prioritise work-life balance amid economic uncertainties.
Travel Counsellors have issued a guide Travel Counsellors’ guide to maximising annual leave in 2026 provides practical strategies for Irish workers to extend time off by strategically booking days around public holidays (bank holidays), weekends, and key dates. This approach turns standard annual leave entitlements (typically 20–25+ days, plus bank holidays) into longer breaks for holidays, staycations, or rest, without using excessive leave. The focus is on creating extended weekends or multi-week stretches, ideal for travel planning in Ireland and beyond.
- January: Start 2026 refreshed with an early break. New Year’s Day falls on Thursday 1 January (a bank holiday), so take just Friday 2 January off (1 day of annual leave) to enjoy a 4-day break from Thursday 1 January to Sunday 4 January—perfect for a short post-holiday getaway or recovery time.
- February: Leverage St Brigid’s Day on Monday 2 February (a bank holiday). Take the preceding Friday 30 January off (1 day of annual leave) for a 4-day weekend from Friday 30 January to Monday 2 February—ideal for a quick winter escape or local exploration.
- March: St Patrick’s Day lands on Tuesday 17 March (bank holiday). Book Monday 16 March (1 day) plus Wednesday 18 to Friday 20 March (3 days) off, creating a 7-day break from Saturday 14 March to Sunday 22 March using only 4 days of leave—great for a spring trip or family time.
- April: Easter Monday is on Monday 6 April (bank holiday). Take Tuesday 7 to Friday 10 April off (4 days of annual leave) for a generous 10-day holiday from Saturday 4 April to Monday 13 April—excellent timing for a spring getaway, perhaps abroad or a coastal staycation.
- May: The May Bank Holiday is on Monday 4 May. Book Tuesday 5 to Friday 8 May off (4 days) to secure a 9-day break from Saturday 2 May to Sunday 10 May—suitable for an early summer escape, with pleasant Irish weather often making staycations appealing.
- June: The June Bank Holiday falls on Monday 1 June. Take Tuesday 2 to Friday 5 June off (4 days of annual leave) for a 9-day break from Saturday 30 May to Sunday 7 June—another strong slot for travel, potentially combining with good early-summer conditions.
- August: The August Bank Holiday is on Monday 3 August. Book Tuesday 4 to Friday 7 August off (4 days) to enjoy a 9-day break from Saturday 1 August to Sunday 9 August—perfect for a late-summer holiday before autumn arrives.
- October: The October Bank Holiday lands on Monday 26 October. Take Tuesday 27 to Friday 30 October off (4 days) for a 9-day break from Saturday 24 October to Sunday 1 November—ideal for an autumn trip, perhaps to warmer spots as winter approaches.
- Christmas: Christmas Day is on Friday 25 December (bank holiday), with St Stephen’s Day on Saturday 26 December (likely leading to a substitute day or equivalent benefit, often observed on Monday 28 December). Book Monday 21 to Thursday 24 December (4 days) plus Monday 28 to Wednesday 30 December (3 days) off for a 12-day break from Saturday 19 December to Wednesday 30 December using just 7 days of annual leave—allowing ample time for festive celebrations, family visits, or a year-end escape.
