School Year Dates and Term Calendar in Ireland Explained

If you are moving to Ireland with children, the school calendar will shape your year. Ireland does not have one single national timetable that every school follows exactly, but the pattern is very consistent. This guide explains how the year is structured, what to expect and how to confirm exact dates for your child's school.

Figures change annually — verify before acting.

Precise term dates are published each year by the Department of Education and by individual schools, and they can vary slightly. We describe the usual pattern here. Confirm the exact dates on gov.ie (Department of Education) and on your school's own website or newsletter before you book flights or childcare.

The Basic Shape of the School Year

The school year runs from late August or early September to late May or June, depending on the type of school. In general, primary schools tend to finish in late June, while secondary schools finish earlier, because the state exams in secondary schools take place in the early summer and some year groups leave before they begin. Schools must be open for a minimum number of days, set by the Department of Education, and the calendar is built around that requirement.

Typical Term Structure

Autumn term

The year begins around the end of August or the first days of September. The autumn mid-term break usually falls around the end of October, often lasting one week and aligned with the October public holiday. In October 2026, this means that the break may be happening now or very soon, so check your school's calendar.

Christmas break

Schools close for around two weeks over Christmas and New Year, reopening in early January.

Spring term

There is a mid-term break in February, usually one week, often around St Brigid's Day. Then the term runs to the Easter holidays, which last about two weeks and move each year with Easter.

Summer term

The final term runs from after Easter to the end of the school year, with a public holiday on the first Monday in May and often another in June. Schools then close for the summer holidays, which last about two months.

Differences Between Primary and Secondary

• Primary schools typically run until late June, with the school day usually shorter for younger children.
• Secondary schools have a schedule shaped by the state exams, the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate. Exam years finish earlier or have study leave.
• Transition Year, offered at many schools, has its own pattern of activities and work experience.

Other Days Schools May Close

Besides term breaks, schools close on public holidays and may close for staff training days. Individual schools set some of these closures, so dates can differ between neighbouring schools. Some schools close on Good Friday even though it is not a public holiday. See our guide to public holidays in Ireland for the national list.

How to Find Your School's Exact Dates

1. Visit your school's website and look for the calendar or term dates section.
2. Check the Department of Education's published calendars on gov.ie.
3. Ask the school secretary for the current year's list of closures.
4. Subscribe to any parent app or email list the school uses, because changes are often communicated there.
5. Add the dates to your own calendar and note staff-training closures so that you can arrange childcare.

Planning Tips for Newcomer Families

• Apply early for a school place, because popular schools and areas fill up. Some secondary schools use enrolment policies with waiting lists.
• Plan childcare for mid-term breaks and the long summer holiday, as these are expensive and need booking in advance.
• Do not book flights home until you have seen the official term calendar.
• Keep school costs in mind, including books, uniforms and voluntary contributions, when working out your budget with our salary calculator.
• Make sure you have a PPS number for yourself and your children, which is needed for many services.
• If you rent, check that your housing is near your chosen school, using our renting guide.

Starting School Mid-Year

If you arrive in Ireland part-way through the school year, your child can usually still join a school, subject to space and enrolment rules. Contact local schools as soon as you have an address, because schools prioritise children according to their admission policies. Younger children normally start primary school in the September after they turn four or five, though many families choose the later date. Children who do not speak English well may be eligible for English language support, which many schools provide.

It also helps to ask the school about uniform, books, school transport and after-school care. In many areas, there is a school transport scheme that you must apply for early in the year. Local education and training boards, the Department of Education and your local library can all point you towards support if you are unsure where to start.

Frequently Asked Questions