The October Bank Holiday, also known as the Halloween Holiday, is a public holiday in Ireland that falls on the last Monday of October. It is marked by the Irish public as a day off from work and educational institutions. On this day, many Irish people take short vacations within the country or visit family and friends. As it is a bank holiday, majority of banks and financial institutions are also closed on this day.
In addition to being a period of rest, the Halloween Holiday is associated with numerous cultural and sporting events. Halloween, an ancient Celtic festival known as Samhain, is celebrated vigorously in Ireland. It includes festive activities like trick-or-treating, parties, bonfires, and the creation of Jack-o'-lanterns. Various sports meetings, horse races, and marathons are also held on this long weekend, contributing to the country's festive mood.
The October Bank holiday also signifies the end of British Summer Time, as clocks in Ireland are turned back by one hour. This 'extra hour' is often enjoyed by the Irish in the form of an extended lie-in. The holiday is additionally important in marking the transition from autumn to winter, where the leaf fall season in Ireland begins to come to an end. Thus, it is not just a day off but is marked with cultural significance and a sense of changing seasons.