Christmas 2015 Bank Holidays In Ireland Dates And Info

As the holiday season approaches, many of us are looking forward to some well-deserved time off to relax, recharge, and spend quality time with loved ones. If you're living in Ireland, you'll be pleased to know that there are several bank holidays in December, including Christmas Day and St. Stephen's Day. In this article, we'll provide you with all the information you need to know about the Christmas 2015 bank holidays in Ireland, including dates, closures, and ideas for things to do during the festive season.

The History of Christmas and St. Stephen's Day in Ireland

Christmas is a significant holiday in Ireland, and it's a time when families and friends come together to celebrate and exchange gifts. The holiday has a rich history in Ireland, dating back to the 5th century when Christianity was first introduced to the country. Over time, Christmas traditions have evolved, and today, it's a time for feasting, singing, and merriment.

St. Stephen's Day, on the other hand, is a public holiday that's unique to Ireland. It's celebrated on December 26th, the day after Christmas Day, and it's named after Saint Stephen, one of the first Christian martyrs. The holiday has its roots in ancient Irish traditions, where it was known as "Lá Fhéile Stiofáin" or "St. Stephen's Day." Today, it's a day for family gatherings, sporting events, and traditional Irish music sessions.

Christmas 2015 Bank Holidays in Ireland Dates

Here are the dates for the Christmas 2015 bank holidays in Ireland:

Christmas Day: Friday, December 25th
St. Stephen's Day: Saturday, December 26th

Public Services and Closures

As with all bank holidays in Ireland, public services and closures will apply during the Christmas period. Here's what you can expect:

Banks: Closed on Christmas Day and St. Stephen's Day
Post Offices: Closed on Christmas Day and St. Stephen's Day
Government Offices: Closed on Christmas Day and St. Stephen's Day
Schools: Closed from December 23rd to January 4th
Hospitals: Emergency services will be available, but some non-essential services may be reduced or closed
Public Transport: Reduced services on Christmas Day and St. Stephen's Day

Things to Do During the Christmas Period

If you're looking for ideas on things to do during the Christmas period in Ireland, here are a few suggestions:

Visit Santa's Grotto: Many shopping centers and department stores have Santa's Grottos, where kids can meet the big man himself and receive a gift.
Go Ice Skating: Many cities and towns in Ireland have outdoor ice skating rinks during the Christmas period.
Take a Christmas Lights Tour: Many towns and cities in Ireland have stunning Christmas lights displays. Take a stroll around your local town or city to see the sights.
Attend a Christmas Market: Many towns and cities in Ireland have Christmas markets, where you can buy local crafts, food, and drinks.
Go to a Pantomime: Pantomimes are a popular Christmas tradition in Ireland, with many theaters hosting productions of classic fairy tales.

Christmas Traditions in Ireland

Ireland has many unique Christmas traditions that are worth experiencing. Here are a few:

The Wren Boys' Procession: On St. Stephen's Day, many towns and villages in Ireland have a Wren Boys' Procession, where people dress up in colorful costumes and parade through the streets.
The Twelve Days of Christmas: In Ireland, Christmas is celebrated for 12 days, from Christmas Day to January 6th (Epiphany).
Christmas Food: Traditional Irish Christmas food includes turkey, ham, and Christmas pudding.
Carols by Candlelight: Many churches and cathedrals in Ireland host carol services by candlelight, which are a beautiful way to get into the Christmas spirit.

Christmas Shopping in Ireland

If you're looking for ideas on what to buy your loved ones for Christmas, here are a few suggestions:

Irish Crafts: Ireland is famous for its crafts, including knitwear, pottery, and jewelry.
Irish Food and Drink: Consider buying Irish food and drink products, such as artisan cheeses, craft beers, and Irish whiskey.
Experiences: Gift your loved ones an experience, such as tickets to a concert, play, or sporting event.

Conclusion

The Christmas 2015 bank holidays in Ireland are a time for celebration, relaxation, and spending time with loved ones. Whether you're interested in history, traditions, or just want to know what's happening during the festive season, we hope this article has provided you with all the information you need. From all of us, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!