When are the School Holidays in Ireland?
Primary schools in Ireland are required to be open for a minimum of 183 days per school year. The opening requirement for post-primary schools is a minimum of 167 days. When the Department of Education and Skills in Ireland decide on the dates of school holidays for primary and post-primary schools, a number of factors are considered.School start and close dates, bank holidays and national examinations at post-primary level. As well as the time in between school holidays are all taken into consideration. However its the objective to avoid problems for families where children are attending different schools that ensures schools share the same school holiday dates.
The following dates of school holidays in Ireland have been sourced from the official Department of Education and Skills. These school holidays and their dates are part of the departments ‘Standardisation of the School Year in respect of Primary & Post-Primary Schools’ for 2019 and 2019/20.
Consult the Table below to see Ireland School Holidays 2019:
| School Holidays in Ireland | Official Dates |
| February 2019 Mid-Term Break | Monday 18th February 2019 to Friday 22nd February 2019 |
| Easter 2019 | Monday 15th April 2019 to Friday 26th April 2019 |
| October 2019 Mid-Term Break | Monday October 28th 2019 to Friday 1st November 2019 |
| Christmas 2019 | Monday December 23rd to Friday 3rd January 2020 |
Where to Go from Ireland on School Holidays?
So now that you know when the school holidays are scheduled to happen in 2019. Has it given you itchy feet to get planning a family breakaway, city break or holiday? If it has, then we’ve got you covered here on Skyscanner. Read on for travel inspiration for family-friendly destinations for 2019.
Where to go from Ireland for February Mid-Term Break 2019
London, England
Londoners like to keep their kids entertained over the school holidays with fun-filled family things to do. And you’re welcome to join in on the action during the London February half-term 2019, which runs from February 16th to February 24th.
Events include the London Puddle Jumping Championships (16-24 Feb). This takes place from at the WWT London Wetland Centre. If you’d rather not pack your wellies then there’s the Southbank Centre’s annual Imagine Children’s Festival (13-24 Feb).
Here you can awaken the senses through theatre, literature, music and dance. There are workshops and activities for children at the National Maritime Museum, the Victoria and Albert Museum, the Tower of London and at Shakespeare’s Globe. Along with all the sightseeing opportunities London has to offer on a daily basis.
Have a read of 7 Cultural Things to Do in Covent Garden London for more inspiration.
Search Flights to LondonFind a Hotel in LondonVenice, Italy
If you think Venice in Italy is spectacular with its canals and gondolas, buildings and bridges. Then you’ll love it even more in February during its annual festival; Carnevale di Venezia. This year, the Venice Carnival celebrations run from February 16th to March 5th. The city comes alive with colour as participants, Venetians and tourists alike dress up in 18th century attire and parade around the streets and St Mark’s Square. Expect to see ball gowns, face paint, and of course many wearing the world famous Venetian masks.
Search Flights to VeniceFind a Hotel in VeniceWhere to go from Ireland for Easter 2019
Algarve, Portugal
The Algarve in Portugal is a great family friendly destination all year round. And visiting in April around the Easter holidays has its advantages. For one thing the weather usually averages at about 20 degrees or a little lower, so it’s modest. The resorts aren’t as busy during this time as they can be during the peak season of summer and so it is normally a more purse friendly time to visit too. The Algarve offers visitors a beautiful coastline lined with stunning beaches, water sports and activities for all ages. Restaurants are family friendly and hotels usually have activities for children too.
Looking for more inspiration then have a read of 5 Beautiful Beaches near Faro in the Algarve
Search Flights to Faro, AlgarveFind a Hotel in the AlgarveThailand, South East Asia
Thailand as a whole is a stunning country. It has beautiful beaches and islands to the south. Both on the east coast and the Gulf of Thailand – think Koh Samui, Koh Phangan and Koh Tao. And on the west coast and the Andaman Sea – think Krabi, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Chang. Central Thailand offers the renowned Bangkok with its palaces and temples. And the north of Thailand gives you Chang Mai with its ancient city walls and night bazaar. The peak time to visit Thailand is November to February/March. However the off peak months or April to June are an ideal time to visit with family. Not only are the prices off peak, which is always a bonus. But the weather is ideal along the coastlines, and not too hot elsewhere in the country.
Our article When is the Best Time to Visit Thailand in 2019 will help you plan your trip.
Search Flights to ThailandFind a Hotel in ThailandWhere to go from Ireland for October Mid-Term Break 2019
Paris, France
Paris is a stunning city with world-renowned landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre. And visiting in October as the leaves begin to change and the city starts to settle into the milder weather is a great time to visit with family in tow. It isn’t as crowded as the summer months and so it’s an opportunity to be budget friendly too. And if Halloween celebrations are your thing then you’ll be spoilt for choice, as there are a number of events to participate in. Here are just a handful: Day of the Dead Festival Paris, Halloween at the Musée Grévin, Halloween at the Parc Astérix, Halloween at Disneyland Paris, and if the kids are over 12 years old – Halloween at the Manoir de Paris ‘Toxic’.
Search Flights to ParisFind a Hotel in ParisCorfu Island, Greece
Greece as a whole is very suitable for family holidays in October. The temperature is mild, and it isn’t as busy as the summer months. It’s perfect for visiting the ancient sites of Athens and island hoping in the Cyclades.
But if you’d like less activity and a more chilled out holiday, then the island of Corfu is a great choice. Visit Corfu Town, and its imposing Venetian fortresses. Walk along its winding town streets lined with Venetian architecture. During the day visit one of Corfu’s beautiful beaches – the west beaches of Glyfada and Pelekas are known to be particularly child friendly. Or get more active at Aqualand Water Park. And in the evening as the sun sets dine on traditional meat dishes such as ‘pastitsada’ and ‘sofrito’. Or even better fresh seafood – cooked to your liking.
Search Flights to CorfuFind a Hotel in CorfuWhere to go from Ireland for Christmas 2019
South Coast, Sri Lanka
If you’re edging to get away for the winter months to sandy beaches and sunshine, then Sri Lanka could be the answer. The best time to visit the southern coastline of Sri Lanka is November through to May. And so as the Christmas holidays fall in December – the timing is perfect. White sandy beaches await you but always take into consideration that the waves and currents can be strong. Some of the most popular beaches and resorts include Galle, Tangalle, Mirissa and Yala. The south of the island is also home to elephants and so usually a big hit with children. If edging west or east, the west coast is known to be more family friendly.
This article – When is the Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka in 2019 will help you plan your trip.
Search flights to Sri LankaFind a Hotel in Sri LankaReykjavík, Iceland
If you’re not chasing winter sun, and you’re not afraid of cold weather, then Iceland might be the answer. Wrap up well and get a flight to Reykjavík where you have a dream come true opportunity of witnessing the Aurora Borealis, also known as the Northern Lights.
In fact Iceland in December could prove to be the most magical time to visit. Yes you may need to wrap you and your loved ones up in layers. But it’d be worth it to see the country covered in snow, spot frozen waterfalls and explore ice caves under Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull glacier (children need to be over eight to do the later).
This article – When is the Best Time to Visit Iceland in 2019 will help you plan your trip.
Search Flights to ReykjavíkFind a Hotel in ReykjavikSkyscanner Travel News & Inspiration
