Children from across Ireland have been returning to school after the 2022 summer holidays have drawn to a close. As the weather chills and autumn comes into focus, both pupils and parents will now have the next holiday dates firmly in their sight.

The standard breaks for Christmas, Easter and both mid-terms for the 2022/23 school year have been approved and are available on the government’s website. School holidays are determined by the Department of Education and Skills, with the dates usually agreed upon by the parties to the Teachers’ Conciliation Council.

The flexibility for contingency arrangements, due to unforeseen closures for bad weather, also has to be considered, while primary schools are entitled to three discretionary days to extend the February holidays.

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When are the Ireland 2022/23 school holidays?

October 2022 mid-term break

All schools will close from Monday October 31 to Friday November 4 inclusive.

Christmas 2022 holidays

The final day of the 2022 school term will be on Wednesday December 21, with schools closing at the end of the day. After Christmas celebrations, schools will then re-open on Thursday January 5.

February 2023 mid-term break

Primary schools will close on Thursday February 16 and Friday February 17, although they may use three discretionary days to extend this break to five days from Monday February 13.

Post-primary schools are set to close from Monday February 13 to Friday February 17. Should unforeseen school closures arise, contingency arrangements may require a school authority to reduce the length of the February mid-term break by remaining open up to and including Wednesday February 15.

Easter 2023 holidays

All schools should close after the final day of term on Friday March 31, which will be extended to Wednesday April 5 as part of contingency plans. Schools will re-open after Easter on Monday April 17.

Summer 2023 holidays

The summer holidays are more varied between schools. Post-primary schools will normally break for summer at the start of June while primary schools tend to finish in late June, with both generally resuming during the first week of September.

The exact start and end date of the school year may see schools use discretionary days to decide them. You should always check with your individual school to check their precise dates.

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