There’s something about October that makes you want to book something — a long weekend, a sunny escape, or just a proper day off. Whether you’re eyeing the October Bank Holiday or hunting for the cheapest place to fly from Ireland, this guide pulls together the key dates, verified deals, and the destinations that actually deliver warmth without wrecking your budget.
Ireland Bank Holiday: Monday, 27 October 2025 ·
Columbus Day (United States): Monday, 13 October 2025 ·
Popular cheap October destination: Sunny Beach, Bulgaria (Cassidy Travel)
Quick snapshot
- Ireland October Bank Holiday: Monday, 27 October 2025 (Office Holidays (public holiday database))
- Columbus Day (US): Monday, 13 October 2025 (Office Holidays)
- Exact 2025 all-inclusive holiday prices — deals change weekly (Loveholidays (travel booking platform))
- Long-range October weather forecasts not yet available (Met Éireann (Irish national weather service))
- Late October half-term drives peak family travel demand — book early (TUI Ireland (major tour operator))
- Summer 2025 flights release — early booking secures best rates (Ryanair (Ireland’s largest airline))
Here are the key confirmed facts about October 2025 holidays:
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Number of US federal holidays in October | 1 (Columbus Day, Oct 13) |
| Ireland October Bank Holiday date 2025 | Monday, October 27 |
| Average temp in Lanzarote in October | 26°C |
| Cheapest all-inclusive deposit (loveholidays) | €19 per person |
| Post Office 2025 best value destination | Sunny Beach, Bulgaria |
How to plan your October 2025 holiday
- Mark your calendar with key dates – Spain National Day (Oct 12), Columbus Day (Oct 13), Ireland Bank Holiday (Oct 27), Halloween (Oct 31).
- Choose your destination based on heat and budget – the Canary Islands, Turkey, or Bulgaria offer the best value.
- Compare all-inclusive deals from Irish travel agents – Cassidy Travel, TUI, Loveholidays, and On the Beach all have October packages.
- Book flights and accommodation early – by May or June for October half-term to secure best rates.
- Prepare travel documents – Irish passport holders need an e-Visa for Turkey, cost around €20-30.
Sources: Office Holidays, TUI Ireland, Cassidy Travel, Department of Foreign Affairs
What holidays are in October 2025?
October carries a handful of significant public holidays across different countries, and knowing them helps you plan time off and travel around them. For Irish readers, the standout is the October Bank Holiday, but there are also notable dates in the US and Spain.
What three holidays are in October?
- Columbus Day — observed on the second Monday of October (October 13, 2025 in the US) (Office Holidays (public holiday database))
- Spain National Day — October 12, celebrating Día de la Hispanidad (Wikipedia (encyclopedic reference))
- October Bank Holiday (Ireland) — last Monday of October, falling on October 27, 2025 (Flair HR (employment law resource))
Why this matters: Each of these dates affects travel costs, availability, and crowds — Columbus Day in the US means US tourists travelling, while Spain’s National Day can spike prices in Spanish cities. For Irish travellers, the October Bank Holiday creates a natural long weekend for a short break.
Why is October 12 a holiday?
October 12 is Spain’s Fiesta Nacional, marking Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492. It’s a public holiday across Spain, with parades and official ceremonies (Wikipedia (encyclopedic reference)). If you’re travelling from Ireland, expect some closures in Spain on this date — though the holiday shouldn’t stop you enjoying the sunshine.
Is Monday, 27 October a bank holiday in Ireland?
Yes. The last Monday of October is the October Bank Holiday in the Republic of Ireland, falling on October 27, 2025 (Office Holidays (public holiday database)). It’s a public holiday meaning most businesses, schools, and banks close, though urban shops and pubs often stay open (Ireland.com (official tourism authority)). Northern Ireland does not observe this holiday — its next bank holiday after summer is August 31 (Ireland.com (official tourism authority)).
The holiday traces back to the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain, marking the end of the harvest and the start of winter (Flair HR (employment law resource)). Halloween, on October 31, shares these Celtic roots but is not a public holiday in Ireland.
The implication: For families and workers, the October Bank Holiday gives a free long weekend that can be extended with a few days of annual leave — a perfect window for a 4- or 5-day trip.
Confirmed facts
- Ireland Bank Holiday date: October 27, 2025 (Office Holidays)
- US Columbus Day: October 13, 2025 (Office Holidays)
- Spain National Day: October 12, 2025 (Wikipedia)
What’s unclear
- Exact all-inclusive holiday prices for October 2025 — deals change weekly (Loveholidays)
- Weather conditions can vary; long-term forecasts not available (Met Éireann)
TL;DR: Ireland’s October Bank Holiday falls on 27 Oct 2025, giving Irish travellers a long weekend. Combined with US Columbus Day and Spain National Day, demand and prices shift. Book early for the best deals.
Where is the best for an October holiday?
October offers a sweet spot: the summer crowds have thinned, the temperatures in southern Europe are still warm, and prices drop compared to peak season. The tricky part is knowing which destinations actually deliver the heat and which are just marketing hype.
Where to go for 3 days in October?
- European city breaks — Paris, Amsterdam, Barcelona offer culture and mild weather (Lastminute.com (travel booking platform))
- Coastal short breaks — Malta and Cyprus can still be warm enough for beach time (Lastminute.com (travel booking platform))
- Package deals from TUI — 3-night options to mainland Spain and the Canary Islands (TUI Ireland (major tour operator))
Where is hot in October but cheap?
Top destinations from Irish travel agents include Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, Malta, and Majorca, with average October temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C (Cassidy Travel (Irish travel agency)). On the Beach lists Fuerteventura, Turkey, and Cyprus as hot October destinations with competitive pricing (On the Beach (travel booking platform)). Responsible Travel’s top 10 budget destinations includes Morocco, Portugal, and Turkey (Responsible Travel (sustainable travel consultant)).
The trade-off: Turkey and Cyprus offer higher temperatures (up to 28°C) but longer flight times from Ireland (4-4.5 hours vs 3 hours to the Canaries). The Canary Islands give you reliable mid-20s warmth with shorter travel.
Where is the cheapest but nicest place to go on holiday?
The Post Office Holiday Money Report 2025 identified Sunny Beach, Bulgaria as the best value destination for overall holiday costs — including accommodation, meals, and drinks (Post Office (financial services authority)). Budget Travel Ireland offers October sun holidays from Ireland with low deposits (Budget Travel Ireland (Irish travel agency)).
“Cheapest” doesn’t mean “cheap overall” — the cost of getting there matters. For Irish travellers, Bulgaria requires a connecting flight or a longer direct flight, often adding €150-250 to the total compared to Canary Islands packages from Dublin or Cork.
What this means: Sunny Beach is genuinely the best value once you’re there — a week’s spending money goes much further — but the total cost including flights might not beat a well-priced all-inclusive to Lanzarote.
TL;DR for Irish families: The Canary Islands offer the best balance of warmth, short flights, and moderate prices for October. For pure value on the ground, Bulgaria is cheapest, but total cost may be higher.
Where is the cheapest place to go on holiday in 2025?
The question many travellers actually want answered: not just cheap in October, but cheap throughout 2025. The data and deals point to a handful of clear winners.
Where is the cheapest place for all-inclusive holidays?
All-inclusive deals from On the Beach start at £19pp deposit for 2026/2027, but 2025 prices from Irish platforms are comparable (On the Beach (travel booking platform)). Loveholidays offers €19 per person deposits on select October all-inclusive packages (Loveholidays (travel booking platform)).
Cassidy Travel reports that Sunny Beach, Bulgaria and Fethiye, Turkey lead the cheapest all-inclusive options for Irish travellers in 2025 (Cassidy Travel (Irish travel agency)).
Where is the cheapest but nicest place to go on holiday?
The Post Office report’s methodology ranks destinations by “basket of goods” costs (meals, drinks, suncream, excursions). Sunny Beach, Bulgaria scored best because a three-course meal costs around €15-20, while daily spending for drinks and essentials is roughly half the eurozone average (Post Office (financial services authority)).
For travellers who want both warmth and value, Portugal’s Algarve (average October temp 22°C) offers a middle ground — not as hot as the Canaries but cheaper for accommodation and eating out (Responsible Travel (sustainable travel consultant)).
The pattern: The most affordable trips pair low-cost flights (Ryanair to a major hub) with a self-catering apartment in a destination where daily spending is low — like Portugal, Bulgaria, or Turkey’s coastal resorts.
Where is hot in October but cheap?
This is the golden combination, and the data narrows it down to a specific set of destinations.
On the Beach reports that Lanzarote, Gran Canaria, and Cyprus are hot and affordable in October, with average temperatures between 25-28°C (On the Beach (travel booking platform)). Responsible Travel’s top 10 budget destinations includes Morocco, Portugal, and Turkey (Responsible Travel (sustainable travel consultant)).
| Destination | Avg October temp | Flight time from Dublin | Typical week cost (per person, self-catering) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lanzarote | 26°C | 3h 15m | €450-600 |
| Gran Canaria | 26°C | 3h 30m | €450-600 |
| Cyprus | 28°C | 4h 30m | €500-700 |
| Turkey (Fethiye) | 27°C | 4h | €400-550 |
| Portugal (Algarve) | 22°C | 2h 45m | €350-500 |
| Sunny Beach, Bulgaria | 20°C | 3h (via Charleroi or connecting) | €300-450 |
The implication: For pure balance of heat, flight time, and cost, the Canary Islands are the winners. Turkey offers the lowest day-to-day costs but longer travel. Bulgaria is the cheapest overall if you can handle 20°C rather than 26°C.
Where to go on holiday in October – Lastminute.com
Lastminute.com recommends short-haul options including European city breaks (Paris, Barcelona) and warm coastlines (Malta, Cyprus) for October getaways, noting that prices are typically 20-30% lower than August peak (Lastminute.com (travel booking platform)).
Where’s Hot in October – On The Beach
On the Beach’s seasonal data consistently shows Lanzarote and Gran Canaria as the hottest and most affordable Canary Islands in October, with average sea temperatures still around 23°C — warm enough for swimming (On the Beach (travel booking platform)).
Why this matters: For Irish families in particular, the Canary Islands combine reliable warmth, short flights from multiple Irish airports (Dublin, Cork, Shannon), and a well-developed tourism infrastructure that keeps prices competitive.
Where to go for 3 days in October?
Not everyone can take a full week off. The October Bank Holiday creates a natural window for a 3-day getaway, and the options are good — if you pick the right destination.
Where is the best for an October holiday (short break)?
- City breaks from Lastminute.com: Amsterdam and Prague offer mild weather, culture, and short flights (Lastminute.com (travel booking platform))
- Coastal short breaks: Malta and Cyprus pack warmth into a 3-day itinerary, though flight time eats one day each way (Lastminute.com (travel booking platform))
- Package deals from TUI: 3-night offers to mainland Spain (Costa del Sol) and the Canary Islands, flying from Dublin and Cork (TUI Ireland (major tour operator))
The catch: A 3-day trip to Cyprus means 4.5 hours each way — that’s a full day in transit. For a long weekend, stick to 3-hour flights: the Canaries, mainland Spain, or a city break to a European capital.
For a 3-day October break, the smart money is on Lanzarote or Dublin-Paris. Both are under 3.5 hours flight, have good last-minute availability, and give you real warmth or culture without burning a third of your trip on airport queues.
For more short-break inspiration, check our guide on Easter Bank Holiday 2025: UK & Ireland Dates Guide.
TL;DR for short breaks: Irish travellers should aim for flights under 3.5 hours. Lanzarote and Paris are top picks. Book by May to secure availability around the Bank Holiday.
Is Monday, 27 October a bank holiday in Ireland?
Yes — confirmed. The October Bank Holiday falls on Monday, 27 October 2025 in the Republic of Ireland (Irish Central (Irish diaspora publication)). This is the last Monday of October, a pattern established since the holiday was first observed in 1977 (Wikipedia (encyclopedic reference)).
On this day, most businesses, banks, and schools are closed. Public transport runs a reduced service (Wikipedia (encyclopedic reference)). Urban shops and pubs tend to stay open, but rural areas see more closures (Ireland.com (official tourism authority)). Northern Ireland does not observe this holiday (Ireland.com (official tourism authority)).
The holiday historically corresponds with the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marks the beginning of winter and the end of the harvest season (Flair HR (employment law resource)). Halloween (October 31) shares these roots but is not a public holiday in Ireland.
The implication: For Irish employees, the October Bank Holiday plus one or two annual leave days unlocks a 4- or 5-day trip. Flights and hotels around this date sell out fast — booking by May or June is wise.
Confirmed facts
- Ireland Bank Holiday date: October 27, 2025 (Office Holidays)
- US Columbus Day: October 13, 2025 (Office Holidays)
- Spain National Day: October 12, 2025 (Wikipedia)
What’s unclear
- Exact all-inclusive holiday prices for October 2025 — deals change weekly (Loveholidays)
- Weather conditions can vary; long-term forecasts not available (Met Éireann)
“The Post Office Holiday Money Report 2025 named Sunny Beach, Bulgaria as the best value destination for overall holiday costs, where a three-course meal costs around €15-20.”
— Post Office Holiday Money Report 2025 (Post Office (financial services authority))
“Lanzarote and Gran Canaria are hot in October with average temperatures around 26°C, making them consistently the top choices for last-minute warmth from Ireland.”
— On the Beach (On the Beach (travel booking platform))
The October Bank Holiday creates an obvious opportunity for Irish travellers — but the real question is whether you use it for a city break, a beach escape, or a week-long holiday with a few extra days of leave. For families on a budget, the Canaries or Turkey offer the best combination of warmth, short flights, and low day-to-day costs. For value hunters, Sunny Beach in Bulgaria is the data-backed winner, albeit with a slightly longer journey.
For tips on saving money during your trip, check our guide on Super Market Near Me: Best Irish Supermarkets for 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Is October a good time to visit Europe for sunshine?
Yes, southern Europe (Canary Islands, Turkey, Cyprus) still averages 22-28°C in October. Northern Europe is cooler (10-15°C) but often pleasant for city breaks.
What is the cheapest all-inclusive resort in October 2025?
Based on travel agent data, Sunny Beach (Bulgaria) and Fethiye (Turkey) offer the lowest all-inclusive rates for Irish travellers in October 2025 (Cassidy Travel (Irish travel agency)).
How far in advance should I book an October half-term holiday?
Irish travel agents recommend booking by May or June for October half-term, especially for popular family resorts in the Canaries (TUI Ireland (major tour operator)).
What documents do Irish citizens need to travel to Turkey in October 2025?
Irish passport holders need a visa (e-Visa, obtainable online before travel). Standard €20-30 fee, valid for 90 days (Department of Foreign Affairs (Irish government travel advice)).
Can I get a good value short break to a hot destination in October?
Yes — 3-night packages to Lanzarote or Gran Canaria from Dublin start around €350 per person, including flights and accommodation (Lastminute.com (travel booking platform)).
What is the weather like in the Canary Islands in October?
Average highs of 26°C, sea temperature around 23°C, and very little rainfall. It’s the best month for reliable warmth without intense summer heat (On the Beach (travel booking platform)).
Are there any bank holidays in the UK in October 2025?
No. The UK has no bank holidays in October. The next UK bank holiday after August is Christmas Day (UK Government (official bank holidays list)).
How do I find the best October travel deals from Ireland?
Compare prices across Cassidy Travel, TUI.ie, Loveholidays.ie, and On the Beach.ie. Booking midweek flights (Tuesday-Thursday) typically saves 15-25% compared to weekend departures (Cassidy Travel (Irish travel agency)).
For Irish travellers, the October 2025 calendar is clear: one public holiday (Monday the 27th) and a month of solid deals to warm destinations. The best move is to book early, pick a destination with short flights, and use your long weekend wisely — or stretch it into a proper week away. Either way, the data says the Canary Islands, Turkey, and Bulgaria offer the best value for your euro.
Jack Henry Morgan Howard is the Founding Editor and a staff writer at DailyBrief UK, covering UK news, politics and business. He works to the newsroom's sourcing and fact-checking standards under Editor-in-Chief Eleanor Whitcombe, so that every briefing is concise, accurate and clearly attributed.