Christmas is a time for celebration, relaxation, and spending time with loved ones. In Ireland, the festive season is a special time of year, with many people looking forward to the Christmas bank holidays. If you're planning to visit Ireland or are a resident looking forward to some well-deserved time off, here's what you need to know about the Christmas bank holidays in Ireland in 2019.
Christmas is a time for family, friends, and festive fun, and in Ireland, the holiday season is a major event. With Christmas Day and St. Stephen's Day (also known as Boxing Day) falling on Wednesday, December 25, and Thursday, December 26, respectively, many people in Ireland enjoy a four-day weekend, with Friday, December 27, often being taken as an extra day off. But when exactly are the Christmas bank holidays in Ireland in 2019?
Christmas Bank Holidays in Ireland 2019: Dates and Details
Christmas Day, December 25, is a public holiday in Ireland, and it's a day when many businesses, including shops, restaurants, and pubs, close their doors. St. Stephen's Day, which falls on December 26, is also a public holiday, and it's traditionally a day when people visit family and friends, go for a winter walk, or enjoy a festive outing.
In addition to these two public holidays, many businesses and organizations in Ireland also close on Friday, December 27, which is often referred to as a "bridge" day. This means that many people in Ireland enjoy a four-day weekend, with plenty of time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the festive season.
Bank Opening Hours Over Christmas 2019
If you need to do some banking over the Christmas period, it's essential to check the opening hours of your local bank branch. In Ireland, bank opening hours vary over Christmas, but here are some general guidelines:
- Christmas Eve, December 24: Banks will be open as usual, but they may close earlier than usual, typically around 12:30 pm or 1:00 pm.
- Christmas Day, December 25: Banks will be closed.
- St. Stephen's Day, December 26: Banks will be closed.
- Friday, December 27: Some banks may be open, but others may be closed. It's best to check with your local branch to confirm their hours.
- Saturday, December 28, and Sunday, December 29: Banks will be closed.
- Monday, December 30: Banks will be open as usual.
Post Office Opening Hours Over Christmas 2019
If you need to post some Christmas cards or gifts, you'll want to know the opening hours of your local post office. Here are the post office opening hours over Christmas in Ireland:
- Christmas Eve, December 24: Post offices will be open as usual, but they may close earlier than usual, typically around 12:30 pm or 1:00 pm.
- Christmas Day, December 25: Post offices will be closed.
- St. Stephen's Day, December 26: Post offices will be closed.
- Friday, December 27: Some post offices may be open, but others may be closed. It's best to check with your local post office to confirm their hours.
- Saturday, December 28, and Sunday, December 29: Post offices will be closed.
- Monday, December 30: Post offices will be open as usual.
Public Transport Over Christmas 2019
If you're planning to use public transport over Christmas, here are the operating hours for buses, trains, and Luas:
- Christmas Eve, December 24: Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, and Luas services will operate as usual, but they may finish earlier than usual, typically around 8:00 pm or 9:00 pm.
- Christmas Day, December 25: There will be no Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, or Luas services.
- St. Stephen's Day, December 26: There will be limited Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, and Luas services.
- Friday, December 27: Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, and Luas services will operate as usual.
- Saturday, December 28, and Sunday, December 29: Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, and Luas services will operate as usual.
- Monday, December 30: Bus Éireann, Irish Rail, and Luas services will operate as usual.
Things to Do Over Christmas 2019 in Ireland
If you're looking for some festive fun over Christmas in Ireland, here are some ideas:
- Visit the Dublin Winter Festival, which takes place in the Smithfield area of Dublin.
- Go ice skating at the Smithfield on Ice rink.
- Take a festive stroll through the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin, Dublin.
- Visit the Christmas market in Galway City.
- Go for a winter walk in one of Ireland's many beautiful national parks, such as Wicklow Mountains National Park or Killarney National Park.
- Enjoy a festive meal at a local restaurant or pub.
Christmas Markets in Ireland 2019
If you're looking for some festive shopping and fun, here are some Christmas markets in Ireland:
- Dublin Winter Festival Christmas Market, Smithfield, Dublin.
- Galway Christmas Market, Eyre Square, Galway City.
- Cork Christmas Market, Grand Parade, Cork City.
- Limerick Christmas Market, Arthur's Quay, Limerick City.
- Belfast Christmas Market, City Hall, Belfast.
Conclusion
Christmas is a special time of year in Ireland, with many people enjoying the festive season with family and friends. With the Christmas bank holidays in Ireland in 2019 falling on Wednesday, December 25, and Thursday, December 26, many people will enjoy a four-day weekend, with plenty of time to relax, unwind, and enjoy the festive season. Whether you're planning to visit Ireland or are a resident looking forward to some well-deserved time off, we hope this guide has been helpful in planning your Christmas 2019.
What are the Christmas bank holidays in Ireland in 2019?
+The Christmas bank holidays in Ireland in 2019 are Wednesday, December 25 (Christmas Day), and Thursday, December 26 (St. Stephen's Day).
Are banks open over Christmas in Ireland?
+No, banks are not open on Christmas Day (December 25) and St. Stephen's Day (December 26). Some banks may be open on Friday, December 27, but it's best to check with your local branch to confirm their hours.
What are the post office opening hours over Christmas in Ireland?
+Post offices are not open on Christmas Day (December 25) and St. Stephen's Day (December 26). Some post offices may be open on Friday, December 27, but it's best to check with your local post office to confirm their hours.