Exact dates of Christmas bank holidays in Ireland and how to use them to turn four annual leave days to 15

Every year, there is confusion around the exact dates of the Christmas bank holidays mainly because most people are lucky enough to be off work anyway.

Aside from the two bank holiday dates affecting the opening hours of businesses, those who are working through the Christmas season can utilise the double bank holiday to bag a few vital days off to spend with family and friends.

This year, the official bank holiday dates over Christmas week are December 25 and December 26 - Christmas day and St. Stephens’ Day.

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Now that the end of the year is only a matter of weeks away, so is that long-awaited break from work - however long or short yours may be.

Trying to organise your final annual leave days before January sees your holiday entitlement topped up for another year can be tough.

Depending on your job, you may automatically have a few days off as the office, restaurant or store closes for a number of days.

If you’re lucky enough to have at least four annual leave days left to use before the end of 2022, then you could turn that into 15 with this simple trick of timing.

So to head into 2023 totally refreshed, maximise your downtime by getting in early and booking the following days.

Here’s how to nab a 15-day break

Christmas Day falls on a Sunday this year, with the St Stephen's Day bank holiday on Monday.

So, if you're clever, you can bag 15 days off for the price of four by booking December 19-22, so you will have that whole week off, as most people get December 23 off already.

Many offices return to action in the New Year, so with the four days off ahead of the annual Christmas break, you’ll be rested and recharged after 15 days off returning to work on January 3.

Days off: 15

Days booked: 4

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