How to Make the Most of Your Annual Leave in 2026
Want More Time Off Without Using More Leave?
Our recent Annual Leave Report showed that many Irish workers don’t realise how much annual leave they’re entitled to - or how valuable it can be for their wellbeing, productivity, and long-term career satisfaction.
If you want to stretch your annual leave further in 2026, the secret isn’t more days off, it’s booking smarter.
By planning annual leave around Ireland’s public holidays, employees can turn a handful of leave days into extended breaks, giving you more time to rest, travel, and recharge without eating into your full allowance.
Here’s how to make your annual leave go further in 2026.
Public Holidays in 2026 (At a Glance)
Knowing where public holidays fall is key to maximising your time off.
In 2026, several bank holidays land perfectly for long weekends and extended breaks.
Key public holidays include:
- New Year’s Day – Thursday, 1 January
- St Patrick’s Day – Tuesday, 17 March
- Easter Monday – Monday, 6 April
- May Bank Holiday – Monday, 4 May
- June Bank Holiday – Monday, 1 June
- August Bank Holiday – Monday, 3 August
- October Bank Holiday – Monday, 26 October
- Christmas Day – Friday, 25 December
Best Annual Leave Strategies for 2026
1. New Year Break: 9 Days Off Using 4 Leave Days
By taking Friday 2 January and Monday–Wednesday 5–7 January, you can enjoy nine consecutive days off from Thursday 1 January to Sunday 11 January.
2. St Patrick’s Day: Turn One Day Into a Long Weekend
With St Patrick’s Day falling on a Tuesday, taking Monday 16 March off gives you four days away from work for the cost of just one day’s leave.
3. Easter: 10 Days Off Using 4 Leave Days
Easter remains one of the best opportunities to extend time off.
By booking Tuesday–Friday (7–10 April) after Easter Monday, you can enjoy ten days off in total — ideal for travel or family time.
4. Summer Bank Holidays: Ready-Made Long Weekends
The May, June and August bank holidays all fall on Mondays, making them perfect for three-day breaks – or longer if you add a few strategic leave days.
Taking four days off around a summer bank holiday can often give you nine days away from work.
5. Christmas 2026: One of the Best in Years
With Christmas Day landing on a Friday, taking Monday–Thursday (28–31 December) gives you nine days off while using just four leave days.
Why Planning Annual Leave Early Matters
From a recruitment perspective, we see the benefits clearly. Employees who plan and take their leave:
- Experience less burnout
- Are more engaged at work
- Report higher job satisfaction
Employers are also increasingly supportive of early leave planning, as it helps with resourcing and workload management.
Thinking About a Role With Better Work–Life Balance?
Many Irish workers still fail to use all their annual leave each year. Planning ahead - especially around public holidays - is one of the easiest ways to ensure you get the full benefit of your entitlement.
At FRS Recruitment, we work with employers across Ireland who recognise the importance of flexibility, wellbeing and time off.
Explore current opportunities or speak with our team about roles that support a healthier work–life balance in 2026.
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