Banks in Ireland keep regular hours most days, but those hours vanish the moment a public holiday arrives. The schedule is predictable — 10 AM to 4 PM on weekdays, limited Saturday openings, full closure on 14 named holidays — yet the exact status on any given day catches many people off guard. Here’s what you need to know about bank opening hours in Ireland, with a clear focus on AIB services and the official holiday schedule that determines who can walk in today.

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Standard Branch Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM · AIB Self-Service Lobbies: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily · Christmas Closure: Banks closed 25-26 Dec · Saturday: Limited branches open

Quick snapshot

1Major Bank Holidays
2What’s unclear
  • Exact ‘today’ status without a specific date — check the calendar first
  • Saturday branch availability varies by location
  • ATM availability during bank holidays — not publicly confirmed
3Timeline signal
  • 3 Apr 2026 — Good Friday closures begin
  • 6 Apr 2026 — Easter Monday, banks closed
  • 7 Apr 2026 — Branches resume normal hours
4What happens next
  • AIB Self-Service Lobbies stay open 8am-9pm even during holidays (AIB Official Bank Holiday Opening Hours)
  • Phone and internet banking available 9am-5pm most days (AIB Official Bank Holiday Opening Hours)
  • Card services and fraud lines run 24/7 year-round (AIB Official Bank Holiday Opening Hours)

The table below lists the fourteen public holidays that affect Irish bank branch opening hours each year, with AIB’s standard response for each date.

Fourteen public holidays affect Irish bank branch opening hours each year.
Holiday Date Branch Status Self-Service Lobby
New Year’s Day 1 January Closed Open
St Brigid’s Day 2 February 2026 Closed Open
St Patrick’s Day 17 March Closed Open
Good Friday 3 April 2026 Closed Open
Easter Monday 6 April 2026 Closed Open
May Day 1 May (observed 4 May) Closed Open
June Holiday 1 June (observed) Closed Open
August Holiday 3 August (observed) Closed Open
October Holiday 27 October 2026 Closed Open
Christmas Day 25 December Closed Closed
St Stephen’s Day 26 December Closed Closed

Are Banks Open Today in Ireland?

Irish bank branches typically operate Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. On Saturdays, only a limited number of branches remain open, and hours vary by location. If today falls on a public holiday or weekend, you can still access banking services through alternative channels.

Checking Current Status

AIB operates more than 170 branches across Ireland, but branch availability depends on the day of the week and whether a public holiday falls on or near today. During regular weekdays, most branches open their doors at 10 AM and close by 4 PM. Before making a trip, check if today is a listed public holiday — if it is, branches will not open.

Dublin Area Specifics

Dublin branches generally follow the same national schedule as the rest of the country, but higher foot traffic means some city-centre locations may offer extended lobby hours. AIB’s self-service facilities in Dublin operate from 8 AM to 9 PM daily, providing cash withdrawals and basic transactions regardless of whether branches are open (AIB Official Bank Holiday Opening Hours).

The upshot

If today is a weekday that isn’t a public holiday, branches should be open 10 AM-4 PM. If you’re unsure, the AIB branch finder tool shows real-time status for each location.

What Holidays Are Banks Closed For in Ireland?

Irish banks close for all 14 public holidays recognised under the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997. This is not optional — it applies to all retail and commercial banks operating in the Republic of Ireland. Familiarise yourself with the full list so you never get caught.

Full Public Holiday List

The 14 public holidays in Ireland fall into two categories: fixed holidays that occur on the same date each year, and moveable holidays that shift based on Easter calculations. Fixed holidays include New Year’s Day (January 1), St Patrick’s Day (March 17), Christmas Day (December 25), and St Stephen’s Day (December 26). Moveable holidays include Easter Monday, the first Monday in May, the first Monday in June, the first Monday in August, and the last Monday in October.

2026 Dates

For planning purposes, the 2026 public holidays affecting bank branches are: New Year’s Day (January 1), St Brigid’s Day (February 2 — first observed in 2026), St Patrick’s Day (March 17), Good Friday (April 3), Easter Monday (April 6), May Day (May 4 observed), June Holiday (June 1 observed), August Holiday (August 3 observed), October Holiday (October 27), Christmas Day (December 25), and St Stephen’s Day (December 26).

Why this matters

When a public holiday falls on a Saturday, the substitute Monday is typically observed — but banks may follow different conventions than other businesses. Always verify directly with your bank before travelling.

What Days Are Banks Closed Over Christmas?

Christmas represents the period when Irish banks have their longest consecutive closures of the year. Banks shut completely on December 25 and December 26, and some branches begin winding down on Christmas Eve. If you need banking services in the days before or after Christmas, timing matters.

25-26 December Closures

All AIB branches close on Christmas Day (December 25) and St Stephen’s Day (December 26). This applies without exception across the Republic of Ireland. Unlike some other services that may offer limited emergency access, bank branches themselves are completely inaccessible on these two days. AIB Self-Service Lobbies also close on Christmas Day and St Stephen’s Day — they do not remain open as they do on other bank holidays.

27-29 December Variations

After St Stephen’s Day, branches typically resume normal hours on December 27 if it falls on a weekday. December 28-29 fall on a Monday and Tuesday in 2026, so most branches should be open those days, though reduced post-holiday staffing may mean shorter hours at some locations. AIB (NI) branches in Northern Ireland close at 12:30 PM on Christmas Eve (AIB (NI) Bank Holidays Schedule), which is earlier than their Republic of Ireland counterparts.

The catch

If you need to move money before year-end, don’t wait until December 27. Payments initiated on December 23 may not clear until after the New Year holiday, and international transfers face even longer delays during the festive banking freeze.

Are AIB Banks Open Today?

AIB is one of Ireland’s largest retail banks with a wide branch network and multiple service channels. Even when branches close for a public holiday, AIB maintains several access points for customers who need to bank today.

AIB Branch Hours

AIB branches open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM on standard business days. On bank holidays, all AIB branches in the Republic of Ireland close completely — including Good Friday (April 3, 2026), Easter Monday (April 6, 2026), and all other public holidays listed above. The bank reopens with normal working hours the day after each holiday, meaning branches resume at 10 AM on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 after the Easter break (AIB Official Bank Holiday Opening Hours).

Saturday and Holiday Exceptions

AIB operates with reduced Saturday hours at select branches only — not all locations open. On bank holidays that fall on Saturdays or Sundays, AIB branches do not open, but Self-Service Lobbies continue their 8 AM to 9 PM schedule. AIB also offers phone banking 365 days a year for account queries, transfers, and statement requests (AIB Branch Banking).

What to watch

Phone and internet banking operate 9 AM to 5 PM on Good Friday and Easter Monday — shorter than their usual 24/7 availability, but still functional. Card services and fraud reporting lines, however, run 24 hours throughout the Easter period.

Is Today a Bank Holiday in Ireland?

The easiest way to determine if your bank is open today is to check whether today falls on any of Ireland’s 14 public holidays. If it does, branches will not open — no exceptions apply to retail banking.

Upcoming Dates Like 27 October

October 27, 2026 is a designated public holiday in Ireland, falling on the last Monday of the month. All AIB branches will be closed on this date. The October holiday commemorates the anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising’s conclusion and is observed nationally. Whether you’re in Cork, Galway, or any other county, bank branches will not open on October 27.

Good Friday Status

Good Friday (April 3, 2026) is not actually a public holiday under Irish law, but all Irish banks treat it as a closure day anyway. AIB’s official position confirms that all branches close on Good Friday, with services resuming on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 after the extended Easter break (AIB Official Bank Holiday Opening Hours). This voluntary closure applies across the entire AIB network.

Easter 2026 Timeline

The timeline below tracks AIB branch status day by day across the Easter 2026 bank holiday period, showing how alternative access channels remain available even when physical branches close.

This timeline shows AIB branch status across the Easter 2026 bank holiday period.
Date Day Branch Status Alternative Access
2 April 2026 Thursday Open normal hours All channels available
3 April 2026 Friday Closed Self-Service 8am-9pm, Phone/Internet 9am-5pm
4 April 2026 Saturday Closed Self-Service 8am-9pm
5 April 2026 Sunday Closed Self-Service 8am-9pm
6 April 2026 Monday Closed (Easter Monday) Self-Service 8am-9pm, Phone/Internet 9am-5pm
7 April 2026 Tuesday Open normal hours All channels available
8 April 2026 Wednesday Open normal hours West Cork–Kerry Community Bank resumes

The implication: this four-day closure pattern (Good Friday through Easter Monday) means you should plan any in-person banking before Thursday, April 2, or after Tuesday, April 7.

Confirmed facts

  • Banks close on all public holidays per official lists
  • AIB Self-Service Lobbies open 8am-9pm daily, including most bank holidays
  • AIB phone banking available 365 days a year
  • AIB operates more than 170 branches across Ireland
  • AIB Community Banks serve over 30 rural locations via 4 mobile units
  • Card services and fraud lines run 24/7 year-round

What’s unclear

  • ATM availability during bank holidays — not publicly documented
  • Exact Saturday branch availability varies by location
  • Whether all 170+ branches follow identical closure schedules

What Experts Say

All AIB Self-Service Lobby locations are open from 8am to 9pm daily.

— AIB Official Bank Holiday Opening Hours

More than 170 branches across Ireland provides customers with extensive access to in-person banking services.

— AIB Branch Banking

Bottom line

Irish banks follow a clear, consistent schedule: branches open 10 AM-4 PM Monday-Friday, close on all 14 public holidays, and offer limited Saturday hours at select locations. The pattern holds across the major retail banks, with AIB’s 170+ branch network setting the standard for the industry. The real value lies in knowing your alternatives when branches close — AIB’s Self-Service Lobbies stay open 8am-9pm most days, phone banking runs 365 days a year, and card services never sleep.

Bottom line: For Irish bank customers, the “are banks open today” question resolves to a simple check: is today a public holiday or weekend? If no, branches are open 10 AM-4 PM. If yes, head to the nearest Self-Service Lobby or pick up the phone. Digital and phone channels cover most urgent needs even when physical doors stay closed.

Related reading: Coffee Places Near Me – Best Shops, Open Now and Tips

Additional sources

branches.aib.ie, aib.ie, aib.ie, aibni.co.uk, moneyguideireland.com, answers-embed.aib.ie.com.eu.pagescdn.com, aib.ie, branches.aib.ie, aibni.co.uk

Bank hours in Ireland frequently align with public and bank holidays, as outlined in the Irish holiday calendar that lists all key dates for 2026.

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Frequently asked questions

Why is 27 October a bank holiday in Ireland?

27 October 2026 is the last Monday of October, which is designated as a public holiday under Irish law. This October bank holiday commemorates the historical events of 1916 and is observed nationwide, meaning all bank branches close for the day.

What are AIB bank opening hours on Saturday?

AIB Saturday hours vary by location. Not all branches open on Saturdays, and those that do typically operate reduced hours compared to weekday schedules. Check the AIB branch finder for your nearest Saturday-opening location.

Are banks open today 29th December?

29 December 2026 falls on a Tuesday. Assuming it is not a public holiday (it is not), bank branches should be open on their regular Tuesday schedule of 10 AM-4 PM. Note that post-Christmas staffing may mean some locations close earlier than usual.

What are AIB Christmas opening hours?

AIB branches close completely on Christmas Day (December 25) and St Stephen’s Day (December 26). AIB (NI) branches close at 12:30 PM on Christmas Eve. Most branches resume normal hours on December 27 or 28, depending on the day of the week.

Is there banking on Christmas Eve?

Yes, but limited. AIB branches in the Republic of Ireland may close at their normal time on Christmas Eve (December 24), while AIB (NI) branches close at 12:30 PM that day. Self-Service Lobbies remain open until 9 PM, but some services may be restricted.

Why is next Monday a bank holiday?

If the upcoming Monday falls on New Year’s Day, St Patrick’s Day, Easter Monday, May Day, the June holiday, the August holiday, the October holiday, or Christmas Day, it is a public holiday under Irish law. Bank branches close on all these dates.

Are banks open on Good Friday in Ireland?

No. Although Good Friday is not technically a public holiday under Irish law, all AIB branches and most Irish bank branches voluntarily close on Good Friday. AIB branches close on Friday, April 3, 2026, and reopen on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, following the Easter Monday closure.

Can I withdraw cash at An Post locations?

Yes. AIB customers can withdraw up to €1,500 cash per day from AIB current accounts at An Post locations, which offer longer operating hours including weekend openings at some branches. This service expands access beyond traditional AIB Self-Service Lobbies.