🇮🇪 Bridge Days in Ireland 2026
18
Opportunities
10
Public Holidays
9
Max Days Off
4:1
Best Efficiency
38
Total PTO for All
Pro Tip
In 2026, Ireland has 7 free long weekends and 11 bridge opportunities. Best deal: take 1 day off around New Year's Day for 4 consecutive days off (efficiency: 4:1).
Bridge Day Opportunities (18)
New Year's Day
Take 1 PTO → Get 4 days off
Saint Patrick's Day
Take 1 PTO → Get 4 days off
Saint Brigid's Day
3 days off — no PTO needed
Easter Monday
3 days off — no PTO needed
Labour Day
3 days off — no PTO needed
June Bank Holiday
3 days off — no PTO needed
August Bank Holiday
3 days off — no PTO needed
October Bank Holiday
3 days off — no PTO needed
Christmas Day
3 days off — no PTO needed
New Year's Day
Take 4 PTO → Get 9 days off
Saint Brigid's Day
Take 4 PTO → Get 9 days off
Saint Patrick's Day
Take 4 PTO → Get 9 days off
Easter Monday
Take 4 PTO → Get 9 days off
Labour Day
Take 4 PTO → Get 9 days off
June Bank Holiday
Take 4 PTO → Get 9 days off
August Bank Holiday
Take 4 PTO → Get 9 days off
October Bank Holiday
Take 4 PTO → Get 9 days off
Christmas Day
Take 4 PTO → Get 9 days off
Strategic PTO Plans
Zero-PTO Long Weekends
Enjoy 7 natural long weekends — 21 days off with no PTO needed!
21 days off — no PTO needed
Best Single Day
Take 1 day off around New Year's Day (Jan 01–04) and get 4 days off.
Take 1 PTO days → Get 4 days off
Maximum Vacation
Take 4 days off around New Year's Day (Dec 27–Jan 04) for a 9-day vacation.
Take 4 PTO days → Get 9 days off
Try Another Country or Year
Frequently Asked Questions
How many bridge day opportunities are there in Ireland in 2026?
There are 18 bridge day opportunities in Ireland in 2026, built around 10 public holidays.
What is the best bridge day in Ireland in 2026?
The best bridge day opportunity in Ireland in 2026 is around New Year's Day. By taking 1 day(s) of leave, you get 4 consecutive days off (efficiency score: 4:1).
How many public holidays does Ireland have in 2026?
Ireland has 10 public holidays in 2026. These create 18 bridge day opportunities when combined with weekends.
What is the best bridge day strategy for Ireland in 2026?
In 2026, Ireland has 7 free long weekends and 11 bridge opportunities. Best deal: take 1 day off around New Year's Day for 4 consecutive days off (efficiency: 4:1).
What is a bridge day?
A bridge day (Brückentag in German, pont in French) is a working day that falls between a public holiday and a weekend. By taking that single day as annual leave, you effectively double or triple your time off. For example, if a public holiday falls on Thursday, taking Friday off gives you a 4-day weekend.
How is the efficiency score calculated?
The efficiency score is the ratio of total consecutive days off to leave days spent. A score of 4:1 means you get 4 days off for every 1 day of leave used. Higher scores represent better value. A score of ∞:1 means you get days off without using any leave at all (natural long weekends).