October Holiday

October Holiday Quick Facts - EU

AKA NameLá Saoire i mí Dheireadh Fómhair, Lá Saoire i mí Dheireadh Fómhair
HashtagsCompiled on#OctoberWeekendInIreland
2023 Date30 October 2023
2024 Date28 October 2024

2023 Holidays & Dates

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October Bank Holiday

Ireland's October Holiday, also known as the October Bank Holiday, marks the end of the Irish summer season. The main purpose of this holiday is to offer a long weekend of relaxation and leisure for the Irish people before the onset of winter, and it often provides an opportunity for families and friends to come together and spend quality time. Important aspects of this observance include various events and festivities organized throughout the country, as well as a chance for people to plan short breaks or enjoy outdoor activities.

The October Bank Holiday was established in Ireland in 1977, as a way to honor a long-standing Irish tradition that associates the last Monday of October with a holiday. This decision was also influenced by other European countries that already had an autumn public holiday. During this time, visitors from other European countries can partake in the local events and soak up the Irish culture while enjoying the pleasant autumn weather.

Travelers from across the EU flock to Ireland during this time to experience the best that the country has to offer – from attending music and food festivals to exploring the breathtaking landscapes. Ireland's October Holiday is observed on October 30th.

Top facts about October Holiday

  • Halloween, from the Celtic festival of Samhain originated in County Meath, Ireland, over 2,000 years ago.
  • Jack O’Lentern dates to the 18th century, an Irish blacksmith was supposedly refused entry to heaven having been found colluding with the Devil. Condemned to wander the earth with only a coal burning inside a turnip. By putting a 'Lantern themselves in a window they would ward the spirit away'. Irish migrants to America carried on the tradition, but swapped turnips for pumpkins due to supply issues.
  • Fire was extinguished and relit from a New Year Samhain fire during the ancient festival.
  • Michael O’Leary was the Labour Minister who made the October Holiday into law in 1977.
  • Things aren't as they seem. - Irish Proverbs.

October Holiday Top Events and Things to Do

  • Celebrate Samhain or Halloween by getting dressed up and embracing chaos for the night! This ancient festival and its 18th century descendant sometimes coincides with the Bank Holiday.
  • Take a trip to the Giant’s Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is made of 40,000 polygonal basalt rock columns. They form a set of gigantic stepping stones.
  • Visit one of Ireland’s areas of outstanding natural beauty. The Cliffs of Moher Tower sits 214 meters above the Atlantic Ocean and provides a bird's eye view of nearby sights.
  • Read a book by an Irish author. The country has more great writers per capita than any other. Our suggestions include:
    1) Ulysses by James Joyce
    2) The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
    3) Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift
  • Watch an Irish film. Ireland has produced many popular classics. Our suggestions include:
    1) The Guard(2011)
    2) In Bruges (2008)
    3) Calvary (2014)

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