Good Friday in Ireland isn’t a public holiday—but it still feels like one in many parts of the country. With Easter weekend on the horizon, a lot of places either close early or don’t open at all, especially for religious or traditional reasons.

Here’s a quick and clear breakdown to help you get ahead of any surprises. Whether you’re shopping, heading for a pint, or trying to run a few errands, here’s what you need to know about closures and reduced hours across Ireland this Good Friday (19 April 2025).

Good Friday in Ireland

Are Pubs Open on Good Friday in Ireland?

Yes, pubs are now allowed to open—but it wasn’t always the case. Until 2018, there was a nationwide ban on alcohol sales on Good Friday.
Now:

• Most pubs, restaurants, and off-licences will open, but some may operate reduced hours or open later in the day.
• Check ahead, especially for small or family-run pubs, as some still choose to remain closed out of tradition.

Tip: Supermarkets can sell alcohol on Good Friday too, but only during normal hours permitted under licensing laws (typically 10:30am–10:00pm).

Are Banks Closed?

Yes. All banks in Ireland will be closed on Good Friday.
This includes:

• Bank of Ireland
• AIB
• Permanent TSB
• Credit unions

ATMs and online banking will still function as normal, but in-branch services will be unavailable all day.

Schools & Colleges

• Primary and secondary schools are closed for the Easter break, including Good Friday.
• Most third-level colleges and universities will also be closed or operating at minimal capacity.

Shops & Supermarkets

• Major retailers (Dunnes, Tesco, SuperValu, Aldi, Lidl) will generally remain open, though some may open later or close earlier than usual.
• Smaller convenience shops or independent stores may close entirely—especially in rural areas.

Best to double-check Friday hours with your local store, especially if you need essentials before Easter Sunday.

Post Offices

• All An Post offices will be closed on Good Friday.
• There will be no regular mail delivery or collection.
• Services resume as normal on Easter Tuesday (since Monday is a bank holiday).

Health Services

• GP clinics and dental practices are often closed, operating emergency-only services.
• Pharmacies may be open on limited hours, especially in urban areas.
• Hospitals and emergency services continue as normal, but expect delays in non-urgent services.

Ring ahead if you have a medical appointment planned for Friday.

Public Transport

Public transport services run on a slightly reduced schedule.

• Dublin Bus, Irish Rail, and Bus Éireann will operate a Saturday timetable, not the regular weekday one.
• Some routes may be cancelled or altered, so it’s smart to check timetables online before travelling.

Cinemas, Gyms & Public Attractions

• Most cinemas, gyms, and leisure centres will remain open, though some may open later or reduce hours.
• Museums and galleries will vary—larger institutions tend to remain open, smaller ones may close.

Government & Public Offices

• Most government departments, local council offices, social welfare branches, and courthouses will be closed on Good Friday.

Final Thoughts

While it’s not an official public holiday, Good Friday still has a semi-shutdown feel in Ireland. Plan your errands, shopping, and transport now to avoid frustration later.

Some places honour it for religious reasons, others out of tradition—either way, it’s a good idea to get everything sorted by Thursday evening.

Stay informed with itson.ie.