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October Bank Holiday

Escape the ordinary this October Bank Holiday! Unwind, explore and make the most of this well-deserved break. Adventure awaits!
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When it is?
October 28
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Category
Federal
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Country
Ireland
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Introduction

Embrace the spirit of adventure this October Bank Holiday on October 28! This distinguished Irish holiday, falling on the last Monday of October, offers an ideal moment to step back from everyday routines, explore new horizons, or simply relax in your own way. Originating back in 1977, this autumnal public holiday is the perfect opportunity to savor the glow of the fall colors, enjoy the crisp air, and immerse yourself in the lingering Halloween spirit. Affectionately referred to as the Halloween or Samhain Bank Holiday, this day often aligns with these festive celebrations, packing it full of fun, excitement, and exploration. Escape the ordinary and make your October Bank Holiday a memorable getaway!

History of October Bank Holiday

October Bank Holiday Dates

October Bank Holiday Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1977</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First October Bank Holiday</div><div class='timeline-text'>The October Bank Holiday was established in Ireland, providing a well-deserved break at the end of the month.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1980s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Halloween Association</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the close proximity, the October Bank Holiday became associated with Halloween celebrations.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1990s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Growing Festivals</div><div class='timeline-text'>Various festivals, events, and traditions started to take place during the holiday weekend, adding to its festive nature.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Travel Boost</div><div class='timeline-text'>Travel within and to Ireland increased during the October Bank Holiday, making it a popular time for tourism.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Cultural Enrichment</div><div class='timeline-text'>The holiday weekend became a time to celebrate Irish culture, history, and traditions, further enriching its significance.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate October Bank Holiday

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Embark on a fall foliage hunt</h3><p class='facts-text'>Take advantage of the vibrant fall scenery with a leisurely drive or walk around your local area. Capture some beautiful photos of the changing leaves and enjoy the crisp October air.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a Halloween party</h3><p class='facts-text'>Since the October bank holiday often lands around Halloween, why not celebrate both? Organize a spooky gathering, complete with costumes, themed foods and drinks, and fun decorations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organize an autumnal scavenger hunt</h3><p class='facts-text'>Gather family and friends for a fun-filled outdoor scavenger hunt. Set up different stations throughout a park or your backyard with tasks relating to the season such as finding specific colored leaves or crafting items from fallen twigs. It's an engaging and interactive way to embrace the season.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Plan a weekend getaway</h3><p class='facts-text'>Make the most of the long weekend by planning a mini vacation. Whether it's a cozy cabin in the woods, a city break or a rural retreat, you'll come back feeling refreshed and recharged.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Create Halloween crafts</h3><p class='facts-text'>Take advantage of the Halloween spirit and spend a fun afternoon making DIY decorations and crafts. Pumpkins, bats, spiders - get inventive and transform your home into a Halloween haven.</p></div></div>

Why We Love October Bank Holiday

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It is a well-timed break</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The October Bank Holiday is a perfect pause right before the rush of the festive season. It gives everyone a chance to relax, recharge and make some memories before winter fully sets in. Being the only autumn holiday in Ireland, it's well appreciated and utilized as a mini-vacation by many.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It coincides with Halloween</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Often falling on or around Halloween, the October Bank Holiday extends the spooky festivities into a long weekend of fun. It provides the perfect occasion to host elaborate Halloween themed parties, create DIY decorations and partake in traditional Samhain celebrations.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It's an opportunity for an adventure</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The October Bank Holiday encourages individuals to step out of their comfort zones and explore. Whether it's a scenic drive to witness fall foliage, an outdoor scavenger hunt, or a quick weekend getaway, it motivates everyone to make the most of their time off and enjoy the beautiful autumn outdoors.</p></div></div>

5 Amazing Facts About October Bank Holiday

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>October Bank Holiday is a Recently Formed Public Holiday</h3><p class='facts-content'>The October Bank Holiday was only introduced in 1977. In terms of public holidays, this makes it relatively new for Ireland, as most others have their roots in ancient festivals or religious observances.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>It Is the Only Autumnal Irish Public Holiday</h3><p class='facts-content'>Unlike the winter, spring, and summer, which each have several public holidays, the October Bank Holiday is the only scheduled break for the Irish during autumn. This makes it unique and a much-anticipated event on the calendar.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Holiday Has a Flexible Date</h3><p class='facts-content'>As the holiday is always observed on the last Monday of October, the actual date varies each year and can fall anywhere between October 24 and 31.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>October Bank Holiday Allows for Extended Halloween Celebrations</h3><p class='facts-content'>Given its proximity to Halloween, many people choose to extend their Halloween celebrations with parties, gatherings or short trips across this long weekend.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Holiday Is Known to Boost Domestic Tourism</h3><p class='facts-content'>As the last public holiday before Christmas, many Irish people take advantage of the October Bank Holiday for domestic travel, boosting local tourism and hospitality industries each year.</p></div></div>

October Bank Holiday FAQs

October Bank Holiday Dates

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Federal Holidays