Holiday breaks
Ireland Christmas school break: find a trip from Dublin
Department of Education Circular 0018/2026 standardises the school year for recognised primary and post-primary schools. Its Appendix A gives 22 December 2026 as the final school day before Christmas and 6 January 2027 as the reopening day. The 23 December – 5 January interval is derived from those two dates. Private arrangements and third level are not covered.
The example this page uses
- From
- Dublin
- Travelling as
- Family · 4 people
- Trip length
- 7 days
- Month
- December
- Total budget
- EUR 6,000
- Currency
- EUR
The trip tool works by month, not exact holiday dates. Results are modelled estimates, not live fares. Change any value after opening it.
Official dates and scope
| Final school day: 22 Dec 2026; reopening: 6 Jan 2027 | Recognised primary and post-primary schools in Ireland; private arrangements and third level are not covered. |
| Derived non-teaching interval: 23 Dec 2026 – 5 Jan 2027 | Recognised primary and post-primary schools in Ireland; private arrangements and third level are not covered. |
Destinations that fit this example
Example: from Dublin, 7 days, total budget EUR 6,000, December. Edit any of it in the trip tool.
- AlbaniaAlbaniaEstimated whole trip2,370–4,450 EURWithin budget · Off-season in DecemberOne of the strongest realistic options within your current budget and trip requirements. It covers beach and relaxation.
- EgyptEgyptEstimated whole trip4,280–6,680 EURTight fit · Great in DecemberOne of the strongest realistic options within your current budget and trip requirements. It covers beach.
- CroatiaCroatiaEstimated whole trip4,050–6,950 EURTight fit · Off-season in DecemberOne of the strongest realistic options within your current budget and trip requirements. It covers beach and relaxation.
- CzechiaCzechiaEstimated whole trip3,270–5,730 EURTight fit · Great in DecemberOne of the strongest realistic options within your current budget and trip requirements.
- MontenegroMontenegroEstimated whole trip3,290–5,910 EURTight fit · Off-season in DecemberOne of the strongest realistic options within your current budget and trip requirements. It covers beach and relaxation.
- PortugalPortugalEstimated whole trip4,250–7,200 EURTight fit · Off-season in DecemberOne of the strongest realistic options within your current budget and trip requirements. It covers beach and relaxation.
What to weigh
- The interval is worked out from the circular's two dates; confirm with your school.
- The example uses seven days in December; change the days, month, budget or departure city in the tool.
- The budget is an editable illustration, not a typical or recommended amount.
Questions
- Does every Irish school follow this?
- The circular covers recognised primary and post-primary schools. Check your own school's notice.
- Are these live prices?
- No. They are modelled whole-trip estimates for the example inputs shown. Change the departure city, days, budget or party to recalculate.
Sources
- Department of Education — Circular 0018/2026, standardisation of the school year (Appendix A; original circular via ASTI) — Recognised primary and post-primary schools in Ireland; private arrangements and third level are not covered.
Checked 2026-10-12. Always confirm with your own school, employer or authority.
Related breaks
Photo credits
- Wolfgang Sauber · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
- KennyOMG · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
- Zysko serhii · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
- DominikCK1999 · CC BY 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
- kallerna · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons
- Alvesgaspar · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Costs are modelled estimates for the example inputs, not live holiday fares or exact-date availability. Calendar facts quote official sources for the scope stated; travel tips are editorial planning suggestions.