As Easter approaches in the year 2023, people start planning for the long weekend ahead. With a range of events and activities taking place throughout the country, many are curious about the exact days off for the Easter bank holiday. Questions arise such as whether Good Friday is a bank holiday and how long the schools will be closed. In this article, we will answer these queries, giving you a better understanding of the Easter bank holiday weekend in 2023.
As St Patrick’s Day fades into memory, people all over the world are turning their attention to Easter. This year, Easter Sunday falls on April 9th, with schools closing for the holiday on March 31st. Good Friday is on April 7th, and pubs and off-licenses will operate normal hours. The bank holiday is Easter Monday, which falls on April 10th, meaning most employees are entitled to paid leave on public holidays.
While most businesses give their staff a day off on Good Friday, it is not a public holiday, so it is not an automatic entitlement. However, most schools finish on Friday, March 31st, and reopen after the Easter break on Monday, April 17th.
There are many events taking place around the country to entertain both children and adults during the holidays. One of the highlights of the season is the Easter Bunny’s visit to Luggwoods forest in Crooksling, Dublin. The forest trail will be decorated with fairy tale characters for families to complete an Easter challenge. The Irish National Stud and Gardens in Tully, Co Kildare, will offer daily family activities throughout the Easter break. Children can visit the playground and find fairy folklore on a Fairy Trail.
Adults can also partake in exciting events during the holidays, such as the Fairyhouse races, which take place for three days during their Easter Festival from April 8th to April 10th. Easter Monday features the Irish Grand National, the wealthiest chase in the Irish calendar.
It is worth noting that pubs and off-licenses will operate as usual on Good Friday, after the ban on selling alcohol on that day was lifted in 2018. In addition, while schools are not in session through the Easter break, most employees are entitled to paid leave on public holidays.
In short, Easter is a time for both rest and fun. There are many activities for people to participate in and opportunities to celebrate the holiday in a meaningful way. Whether families are enjoying time together, children are hunting for eggs, or adults are indulging in horse racing or simply relaxing, Easter is a special time of year that brings everyone together.
