Understanding the Northern Ireland school holidays for 2025–2026 is essential for every parent and student preparing for the year ahead. With distinct term breaks spread across the seasons, families get the perfect balance of learning, rest, and recreation.
This detailed guide gives you the official holiday dates, explains how the academic year flows, and highlights the best places to visit during each break — from coastal drives to historic festivals.
Holiday Dates for Northern Ireland (2025–2026)
Below is the confirmed list of non-operational school days for the upcoming academic year. Schools may adjust a few discretionary days, but these dates remain the general standard across the country.
| Event | Dates (Inclusive) | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Schools reopen after summer holiday | 1 September 2025 | – |
| Halloween Break | 30 & 31 October 2025 | 2 days |
| Christmas & New Year Holiday | 22 December 2025 – 2 January 2026 | ~2 weeks |
| February Mid-Term Break | 12 & 13 February 2026 | 2 days |
| St Patrick’s Day | 17 March 2026 | 1 day |
| Easter Holidays | 2 April – 10 April 2026 | ~9 days |
| May Day Holiday | 4 May 2026 | 1 day |
| Spring Bank Holiday | 25 May 2026 | 1 day |
| Summer Holidays Begin | 1 July 2026 | End of year |
The Academic Structure in Northern Ireland
Northern Ireland follows a three-term academic system:
- Autumn Term: September to December
- Spring Term: January to March/April
- Summer Term: April to June/July
Each term is broken up by shorter holidays that align with seasonal events and public celebrations. This format not only supports continuous learning but also allows families to plan ahead for travel or local activities.
Autumn Term (September – December 2025)
Return to School – 1 September 2025
Students return from summer on 1 September 2025, marking the beginning of the new academic year. It’s a fresh start, full of energy and opportunity. The early autumn weeks offer mild weather, perfect for quick family weekend adventures.
Where to go:
- Botanic Gardens, Belfast: Relaxing walks and open-air concerts.
- Lough Neagh Nature Reserve: Ideal for birdwatching and outdoor picnics.
- Castle Ward, County Down: A great spot for heritage visits and family cycling trails.
Halloween Break – 30 & 31 October 2025
Halloween is one of Northern Ireland’s biggest cultural celebrations, rooted in Celtic traditions that originated right here. The two-day school break often becomes a long weekend of fun, festivals, and community events.
Top places to celebrate:
- Derry~Londonderry: Hosts Europe’s largest Halloween festival with parades, live music, and fireworks.
- Belfast: City-wide events, spooky workshops, and costume parades for children.
- Antrim Coast: For families who prefer quiet breaks, explore Glenariff Forest Park or Carnfunnock Country Park surrounded by stunning autumn colours.
Halloween in Northern Ireland isn’t just a celebration — it’s an experience that blends culture, history, and creativity.
Christmas and New Year Break (22 December 2025 – 2 January 2026)
The Christmas season brings one of the longest breaks of the school year — the perfect time for family gatherings, winter adventures, and festive travel.
Where to visit during the holidays:
- Belfast Christmas Market: Set in front of City Hall, this market draws visitors from all over Ireland and the UK.
- Lisburn Light Festival: Streets transformed into glittering light tunnels and family zones.
- Fermanagh Lakelands: Ideal for cosy lodges, lakeside walks, and warm countryside getaways.
- Hillsborough Castle: Decorated beautifully for the holidays, with storytelling and kids’ craft workshops.
During this period, many families take short trips across the Irish border to explore Dublin’s winter attractions — just a two-hour drive from Belfast.
Spring Term (January – April 2026)
After the winter festivities, schools reopen in early January 2026. The second term is often focused on academics, but the shorter days still allow families to enjoy weekend getaways and learning trips.
Winter family ideas:
- Ulster Museum (Belfast): A must-visit for educational outings.
- Armagh Planetarium: Great for kids interested in science and astronomy.
- Castle Espie Wetland Centre (Comber): Wonderful for spotting migrating birds during cold months.
February Mid-Term Break – 12 & 13 February 2026
This two-day mid-term is a welcome pause before the busier exam months. It’s short but sweet — perfect for quick stays close to home.
Recommended mini-breaks:
- Mourne Mountains, County Down: Family hikes or cabin retreats in Newcastle.
- Lagan Valley LeisurePlex (Lisburn): Indoor waterpark fun for children.
- Ballymena or Coleraine: Local bakeries and markets for a cosy food trail weekend.
St Patrick’s Day – 17 March 2026
Few events in Northern Ireland match the colour and spirit of St Patrick’s Day. Schools close for one day, and nearly every town holds a parade or cultural event.
Best places to celebrate:
- Downpatrick: Visit St Patrick’s grave and the annual heritage parade.
- Armagh City: Famous for religious processions and family carnivals.
- Belfast City Centre: Vibrant parades, live music, and family-friendly street performances.
This public holiday provides a chance for children to connect with Ireland’s rich traditions and national identity.
Easter Holidays – 2 April to 10 April 2026
As spring arrives, Northern Ireland bursts into bloom. The Easter holidays, lasting just over a week, are ideal for outdoor adventures and family bonding.
Spring travel ideas:
- Causeway Coast & Glens: Drive the Causeway Coastal Route and visit Giant’s Causeway or Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge.
- Fermanagh Lakelands: Try boating, paddleboarding, or a scenic cruise.
- Tollymore Forest Park: Excellent for Easter egg hunts, walks, and nature trails.
- Antrim Countryside: Kids can visit farms during lambing season — a fun rural experience.
Many families also take this time to prepare for upcoming GCSE and A-Level exams, balancing relaxation with focused study sessions.
Summer Term (April – July 2026)
The final term of the year brings warmer days, outdoor learning, and excitement as the long summer holiday approaches.
May Day Holiday – 4 May 2026
The first public holiday of summer marks the start of outdoor festivals and family fairs.
What to do:
- Bangor Seafront: Carnival rides, open-air concerts, and local food stalls.
- Crawfordsburn Country Park: Coastal trails and beach picnics.
- Portrush or Portstewart: Early-summer beach fun and surfing for teens.
Spring Bank Holiday – 25 May 2026
A one-day break before the final stretch of the school year. This long weekend is great for quick countryside escapes or city exploration.
Recommended getaways:
- Glenarm Castle Tulip Festival: One of the most photographed spring events in Northern Ireland.
- Lisburn and Hillsborough: Explore heritage gardens and castles.
- Belfast Botanic Gardens: Perfect for families who prefer city-based relaxation.
Summer Holidays Begin – 1 July 2026
When schools close on 1 July 2026, students enjoy nearly two months off — the most awaited period of the year. Summer in Northern Ireland is full of festivals, open-air events, and adventures for all ages.
Unmissable summer experiences:
- Causeway Coast: Explore beaches at Portrush, Portballintrae, or Whiterocks.
- Mourne Mountains: Great for hiking, camping, and scenic photography.
- Enniskillen and Fermanagh Lakes: Water sports, kayaking, and family glamping.
- Belfast Summer Festivals: Music, street theatre, and outdoor film nights.
- Ards Peninsula: Peaceful drives through fishing villages and coastal viewpoints.
Families can also take advantage of extended daylight hours for road trips or local cultural experiences.
Regional Highlights for Holiday Planning
Northern Ireland’s small size makes it easy to explore different counties even on short breaks.
- Belfast & Greater Area: Urban adventures, museums, restaurants, and family entertainment.
- County Down: Stunning coastlines, forests, and seaside towns like Bangor and Newcastle.
- County Antrim: World-famous for its scenic coast, castles, and heritage villages.
- County Armagh: Orchard tours, cathedrals, and peaceful rural landscapes.
- County Londonderry: Cultural hub featuring festivals and historic walled city tours.
- County Fermanagh: Lakeside lodges, boating holidays, and cave explorations.
Each region offers its own charm — so even local day trips can feel like a getaway.
Expert Tips for Parents and Students
- Book early: Accommodation and travel prices rise near school holidays.
- Plan locally: Short trips within Northern Ireland are budget-friendly and memorable.
- Mix study and leisure: Especially during Easter and early summer.
- Stay updated: Schools can add discretionary training days.
- Explore heritage: Museums, national parks, and cultural events are great learning experiences outside the classroom.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are school holidays the same for all schools in Northern Ireland?
Mostly yes, though some schools may add local closure days.
Q2: How long are the summer holidays?
Typically eight to nine weeks, from early July to late August.
Q3: Do all schools celebrate the same events?
Yes, major holidays such as Halloween, Christmas, Easter, and St Patrick’s Day are uniform across the region.
Q4: What is the most family-friendly break?
The Easter and summer holidays are best for extended family travel.
Q5: Which areas are best for low-cost family holidays?
Try Fermanagh Lakelands, Bangor, or Antrim Coast — affordable, scenic, and easy to reach.
Conclusion
The Northern Ireland school holidays 2025–2026 calendar provides a well-balanced rhythm of study and rest. With diverse seasonal breaks — from the lively Halloween celebrations in Derry to the tranquil shores of Fermanagh — families can turn every school holiday into an opportunity for discovery and connection.
By planning ahead and embracing local travel, you can transform the academic calendar into a year filled with learning, laughter, and lasting memories across Northern Ireland’s most beautiful regions.