Easter Monday 2025

Description

Easter Monday in Ireland is a public holiday that follows Easter Sunday. Schools, many businesses, and some services may close so people have a day off to mark the occasion and spend time with family or rest.

The day takes place on the Monday after Easter Sunday. Because Easter is a moveable feast tied to the moon and spring, the exact date changes each year. It always falls in March or April.

For many people the holiday has religious meaning. It comes from the Christian story of Jesus rising from the dead after his crucifixion. That event is central to Christian belief in hope and new life.

Easter Monday also carries historical and national importance in Ireland. It is linked with remembrance of the Easter Rising of 1916, when people rose up in pursuit of Irish independence. This connects the day to national identity.

The combination of faith and history makes Easter Monday a significant day in Ireland. It is a time to reflect on beliefs, remember the past, and recognize hope and change in the future.

Traditions

Families and friends visit each other, often taking long walks or picnics in parks and countryside. Kids play egg rolling and egg tapping games. Many people spend time outdoors to enjoy the fresh air and company.

Food is simple and hearty. Roast lamb, soda bread and hot cross buns are common. Chocolate eggs and sweet treats are given to children. Leftovers often become shared meals the next day.

Communities hold local events like fairs, concerts and Gaelic games. Many people attend small commemorations at memorials or visit graves to leave flowers. Pubs and homes may have music sessions where neighbors gather to sing and play.

Travel Tips

Many shops, banks and some attractions close or run reduced hours on Easter Monday. Trains and buses may have a Sunday timetable and roads can be busy leaving cities for coasts. Book tickets and tours in advance and allow extra travel time.

Look for local events, galleries and parks that stay open. Join community walks or guided tours to support local businesses. Carry layered clothing, a charged phone, ID and a payment card. Be mindful of noise in residential areas and follow safety signs at beaches.