2025 Northern Ireland Bank Holidays: Your Complete Guide
As we gear up for the upcoming year, it’s time to plan ahead and mark your calendars for the bank holidays in 2025. The Government has officially released the dates for all the bank holidays, and there are some changes to take note of. Whether you’re looking forward to a long weekend getaway or simply a day off to relax, it’s essential to stay informed about the holiday schedule.
Key Dates to Remember
The first bank holiday of the year in 2025 will be New Year’s Day on January 1. Following that, we have the Easter bank holidays with Good Friday falling on April 18 and Easter Monday on April 21. May will bring two bank holidays, starting with the Early May bank holiday on May 5 and followed by the Spring bank holiday on May 28.
Special Occasions and Rumors
One significant change to look out for in 2025 is the potential addition of a new bank holiday to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II. Reports suggest that a four-day weekend could be in the works to celebrate Victory in Europe Day and Japan’s surrender. The exact dates are still under discussion, with a possibility of tying it in with the existing summer bank holiday on August 25.
Full List of Confirmed Bank Holidays
Here is a rundown of all the confirmed bank holiday dates in Northern Ireland for 2025:
– 1 January – New Year’s Day
– 17 March – St Patrick’s Day
– 18 April – Good Friday
– 21 April – Easter Monday
– 5 May – Early May bank holiday
– 26 May – Spring bank holiday
– 14 July – Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen’s Day) (substitute day)
– 25 August – Summer bank holiday
– 25 December – Christmas Day
– 26 December – Boxing Day
Employee Rights and British Summer Time
It’s important to note that while many people enjoy time off on bank holidays, there is no statutory right to paid leave. Your entitlement to time off or extra pay on these days depends on your employment contract. Additionally, British Summer Time (BST) begins on the last Sunday in March and ends on the last Sunday in October, affecting the clock changes in spring and autumn.
Stay tuned for any updates or additional bank holidays that may be declared throughout the year. And remember, whether you’re planning a trip or simply enjoying a day off, make the most of these well-deserved breaks in 2025!
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