How to maximise your 2024 annual leave

The 2024 Irish bank holiday dates are 1st January, 5th February, 17th March, 1st April, 6th May, 3rd June, 5th August, 28th October, 25th December, and 26th December.

If you book off the 2nd–5th April, you’ll get nine days off for Easter while only using four days of leave. By booking off 7th-10th May, you’ll get nine days off (including weekends).

And if you book 6th–9th August, you can enjoy a week off in summer, while using any remaining balance to book off December 23rd, 24th, 27th, 30th and 31st, so you can maximise your festive break. If you can book off January 2nd and 3rd 2025 as well, even better - you’ll get a full 16-day break!

We’ve put our expert heads together to share some of our favourite destinations for each holiday.

Easter holidays

The Mediterranean is already lovely by Easter, and if you go to Crete, Rhodes, or another Greek destination, you might also get to enjoy some of the Greek Orthodox Easter traditions such as candlelit processions, fireworks, and feasts of spit-roast lamb. Portugal's weather is lovely at Easter, especially the sun-drenched family-friendly Algarve region with its many Blue Flag beaches.

Alternatively, head across the pond to Florida, which is cooler now than in high summer and perfect for everything from theme park days out to wildlife spotting.

May Bank Holiday

By May, the Mediterranean has the weather of summer but without the crowds of high season - we love Sicily, Malta, Greece, Majorca, and Cyprus. The Algarve, again, is a great choice at this time of year before the start of higher summer temperatures.

Alternatively, head over the Atlantic to California with its spring warmth, blue skies, and low rainfall. Cities such as San Francisco and Los Angeles have ideal weather for sightseeing and theme park trips, while national parks such as Yosemite are coming into their own after the snow in the high country has melted.

August Bank Holiday

In summertime, Croatia is a European favourite (especially gorgeous Hvar, which is perfect for sailing holidays), but you might also want to think about East Africa at the heart of its dry season and the best month for safaris. Further still, Bali and the rest of Indonesia are cool, dry, and inviting at this time of year.

In the other direction, the USA with its cooling temperatures and children going back to school spoils you with choice. Hiking in the Colorado mountains or cycling on Cape Cod are just two lovely ideas for things to do. And don’t forget Mexico, which has its low season in August. It’s still enjoyably warm in destinations including the Riviera Maya, with its mix of beach resorts and Mayan ruins.

Christmas

The party-loving Caribbean is a great place to spend the festive season, with dry weather and unique cultural celebrations to tempt you away from those stunning beaches. Or head to South Africa, which is by now in full summer bloom; perfect for beach life, hiking, and exploring national parks – including Kruger.

The Maldives is great for a full-on tropical escape at Christmas while, closer to home, the Canaries (especially Tenerife) are becoming more popular as a festive destination, with weather warm enough for strolling or hiking on the beaches.

To book your 2024 holiday, call your Travel Counsellor today.

The Coastal Express – Norway’s Iconic Voyage with Hurtigruten

28 January 2026

Sail the length of Norway’s spectacular coast on a classic Hurtigruten journey where fishing villages, fjords, and Arctic landscapes unfold day by day. This 11-night sailing aboard MS Nordlys combines effortless travel with authentic coastal life: shared airport transfers in Bergen, full-board dining rooted in local produce, and an ever-changing parade of ports from art-nouveau Ålesund to the Lofoten Wall and the North Cape. With optional excursions available throughout, you can make each day as active or as easy-going as you like.

China by Land, Japan by Sea with Wendy Wu

28 January 2026

Experience the wonders of China and Japan on this 18-night journey combining guided exploration and a luxurious cruise. From the imperial treasures of Beijing to the Terracotta Warriors of Xian, the pandas of Chengdu and the skyline of Shanghai, you’ll uncover China’s rich past and vibrant present before sailing aboard Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas to discover the highlights of Japan. With international flights, 4-star hotels, guided tours, all meals and a 7-night ocean cruise, this seamless itinerary offers an incredible blend of culture, comfort and discovery.

La Sirène Family Holiday

25 January 2026

Spend fourteen nights in the south of France on this relaxed family holiday at La Sirène in Argelès-sur-Mer. With direct flights from Dublin, private transfers and a spacious three bedroom Ultimate mobile home, this trip is designed to make family travel easy from start to finish. La Sirène is one of the region’s best known family resorts, offering a mix of pools, activities and space to unwind, all within easy reach of the Mediterranean coast.