As Christmas approaches, parents, guardians, students, teachers and school staff across Ireland will be preparing for the Christmas school break.
The Department of Education and Youth has published the standardised school-year arrangements for primary and post-primary schools for the 2026/27 school year. These arrangements include the standard breaks at Christmas, Easter and mid-term.
Planning Ahead for the Christmas Break
Knowing school holiday arrangements in advance can help families plan childcare, work commitments, travel and Christmas activities.
It also gives schools, teachers and students time to prepare for the end of the first term and for returning to school after the Christmas break.
Check Your Own School’s Arrangements
Parents and students should also check information provided directly by their own school.
While the Department provides standardised arrangements for Christmas and certain other school breaks, individual schools should remain an important source for school-specific information and notices.
The Department also advises checking exact school dates where dates are not standardised.
Parents, guardians and students should always check information provided by their own school and the relevant official authority before making arrangements.
Official Information & Verification
The information in this article is provided for general information and is based on official information available at the time of publication. For the latest information, confirmation and any subsequent updates, please check the Department of Education and Youth and information provided directly by your school.
