Ireland Public Holidays 2026–2028 for International Motorhome Travellers

Visiting Ireland?

Exploring the Emerald Isle by motorhome is a dream for many international travellers — winding coastal roads, lively towns, and endless green landscapes. But public holidays can bring both charm and challenges: parades, festivals, and cultural traditions on one hand, and busy roads or closed shops on the other. Our guide to Ireland’s public holidays in 2026, 2027, and 2028 helps you plan ahead — showing when to join the celebrations, and when to travel just before or after for quieter routes and easier overnight stops.

Ireland Public Holidays 2026–2028

 Notes for International Motorhome Travellers

• Bank holidays in Ireland mean widespread closures of shops, banks, and many services. Always stock up on food and fuel the day before.

• St. Patrick’s Day (17 March) is the busiest holiday for visitors — Dublin, Cork, and Galway host huge parades. Parking a motorhome in city centres is nearly impossible; best to stay at a campsite outside and use public transport.

• Easter & May Bank Holidays → popular for locals heading west to the Wild Atlantic Way. Aires and campsites fill quickly.

• August Bank Holiday → peak summer, especially along the Ring of Kerry and Connemara. Book early.

• Quieter options: June Bank Holiday and October Bank Holiday weekends are lively but manageable, with cultural festivals and autumn colours.

5 Ireland Motorhome Itineraries Around Public Holidays

1. St. Brigid’s Day (early February) – Celtic Heritage & East Coast

• Visit Kildare (St. Brigid’s Cathedral, heritage sites).

• Combine with Wicklow Mountains for winter landscapes.

• Roads are quiet, campsites less crowded.

2. St. Patrick’s Day (17 March) – Dublin & Beyond

• Base your motorhome outside Dublin (e.g. Camac Valley campsite).

• Take public transport into the city for the parade.

• Continue west to Kilkenny or Galway once crowds thin.

3. Easter Monday – Wild Atlantic Way

• Start in Galway, drive Connemara and Clifden Sky Road.

• Aires and campsites busy with locals, so arrive early.

• Spring weather brings dramatic coastal scenery.

4. August Bank Holiday – Ring of Kerry & Dingle

• Peak season, but worth it for festivals and music.

• Book campsites in advance; use smaller villages for easier parking.

• Combine with Killarney National Park hikes.

5. October Bank Holiday – Autumn in the North

• Explore Causeway Coast and Giant’s Causeway.

• Fewer crowds, golden autumn landscapes.

• Belfast and Derry host cultural festivals.

Key Takeaway for International Motorhome Travellers

• Join the holidays if you want to experience Irish culture at its most vibrant (St. Patrick’s Day, August festivals).

• Travel just before or after if you prefer quieter roads, easier parking, and less competition with locals.