If you’re trying to plan a long weekend in October 2025, knowing which days are official holidays across different countries can make all the difference. For instance, the United States observes Columbus Day on October 13, while Ireland marks its October Bank Holiday on the 27th. Both are public holidays, but their legal origins and economic impacts differ significantly. This article compares the October 2025 bank holidays in the US, Ireland, and the Philippines, with official dates and legislative backgrounds.

4 related posts

US federal holidays in October 2025: 1 (Columbus Day, October 13) · Irish bank holidays in October 2025: 1 (October Bank Holiday, October 27) · Philippine special non-working days in October 2025: 2 (October 20, October 31) · Total October 2025 bank holidays covered: 4

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts

2What’s unclear
  • Whether other countries (e.g., UK, Canada) observe October bank holidays not covered here.
  • Exact pay rules for private sector workers on special non-working days may vary by company policy.
  • The status of October 20, 2025 in the Philippines as a holiday is based on historical designation, but the 2025 proclamation specifically for that date is not yet confirmed in available sources.

3Timeline signal
  • October 13, 2025 – Columbus Day (US)
  • October 27, 2025 – October Bank Holiday (Ireland)
  • October 31, 2025 – Special non-working day (Philippines)

4What’s next
  • Detailed legislative origins and economic context for each holiday below.
  • Comparison of how these holidays affect businesses and schools in each country.

Four key facts stand out across the three countries: each October holiday has a distinct legal foundation and observance pattern.

The table below summarizes the core dates and categories.

Label Value
US October 2025 federal holiday Columbus Day – October 13
Ireland October 2025 bank holiday October Bank Holiday – October 27
Philippines October 2025 special non-working holiday October 20 (Republic Act 1745) and October 31 (special non-working day)
Total October 2025 bank holidays covered 4

The implication: travelers and HR managers need separate calendars for each jurisdiction to avoid compliance gaps.

What is the holiday in October 2025?

October 2025 includes federal holidays in the US, a bank holiday in Ireland, and special non-working days in the Philippines. The exact dates vary by country and are determined by legislation.

Which countries observe bank holidays in October 2025?

  • United States – Columbus Day (federal holiday) on October 13.
  • Ireland – October Bank Holiday (public holiday) on October 27.
  • Philippines – Special non-working days on October 20 and October 31.

These three countries represent different holiday categories: federal, bank/public, and special non-working. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (US central bank) confirms the US federal holiday schedule, while Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (Irish banking industry body) lists Ireland’s bank holidays.

What types of holidays exist in October 2025?

The US observes federal holidays, which are legally mandated days off for federal employees and widely observed by businesses. Ireland has public holidays (often called bank holidays) that are regulated by the Organisation of Working Time Act. The Philippines uses a mix of regular holidays and special non-working days, with the latter carrying different pay rules for those who work.

Why this matters

A federal holiday and a special non-working day are not the same thing. In the Philippines, employees who work on a special non-working day earn an additional 30% of their basic wage, according to DOLE guidelines. In Ireland, the October Bank Holiday is a full public holiday, meaning most workers get the day off or premium pay.

For travelers planning a trip, understanding these differences is crucial: a special non-working day might mean more businesses stay open compared to a full bank holiday.

The implication: knowing the holiday type helps predict what will be open and what pay rules apply — especially for businesses operating across countries.

Is Columbus Day a federal holiday?

Yes, Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the United States, observed on the second Monday of October. In 2025, that falls on October 13.

When is Columbus Day 2025?

Columbus Day 2025 is Monday, October 13. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (US central bank) publishes the official legal holiday schedule, confirming the date. Federal offices are closed, and many schools and businesses also close, though private sector observance varies.

Is Columbus Day a paid holiday for federal employees?

Yes, federal employees receive a paid day off on Columbus Day. However, not all private employers grant it as a paid holiday. The day commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas in 1492, though it has become controversial in recent decades, with some states opting to celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day instead.

“Columbus Day is one of the legal public holidays in the United States.”

— Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, 2025 Holiday Schedule

The trade-off

While the US federal government grants the day off, many retailers and service industries remain open. For workers in those sectors, Columbus Day may be just another Monday — unless their union or contract mandates holiday pay.

The pattern: Columbus Day is firmly a federal holiday, but its practical impact depends on which sector you work in. For travelers, it’s a day when US government offices and banks are closed, but most private services run normally.

What are the Irish bank holidays in 2025?

Ireland has 10 bank holidays in 2025, including the October Bank Holiday on the last Monday of October — which falls on Monday, October 27.

What is the October bank holiday in Ireland?

The October Bank Holiday is a public holiday established by the Organisation of Working Time Act. It has no specific historical event attached; it simply provides a break in late October. Fairly (Irish financial services comparison site) confirms the date and its legislative basis. Other Irish bank holidays in 2025 include St. Patrick’s Day, Easter Monday, May Bank Holiday, June Bank Holiday, August Bank Holiday, Christmas Day, and St. Stephen’s Day.

When is the October bank holiday in 2025?

Monday, October 27, 2025. Factorial (HR & payroll platform) lists all Irish bank holidays for 2025. Most businesses and schools close, though some retail and hospitality outlets may open with special Sunday rates. Flair HR (Irish HR resource) notes that employees who work on a public holiday are entitled to a paid day off at another time or premium pay.

For a broader view of Irish holiday schedules, see our guide on When is Mother’s Day 2026? UK, USA & Worldwide Dates.

Bottom line: Ireland’s October Bank Holiday is a legislated public day off for most workers. Employers must comply with the Organisation of Working Time Act, which guarantees either the day off or compensatory pay. For HR managers, the key is ensuring payroll reflects the holiday premium correctly.

Is October 31, 2025 a bank holiday?

October 31, 2025 is a special non-working holiday in the Philippines, but not a bank holiday in the US or Ireland sense. It is a nationwide special non-working day.

Is October 31 a special non-working holiday in the Philippines?

Yes, Proclamation No. 727, issued in 2024, declares October 31, 2025 as an additional special (non-working) day throughout the Philippines. Lawphil (Philippine legal database) publishes the full text of the proclamation. The stated purpose is to “strengthen family ties” by extending the long weekend leading into All Saints’ Day (November 1) and All Souls’ Day (November 2).

What is the legal basis for October 31 as a holiday?

The proclamation cites the President’s authority to declare special days under existing laws. It explicitly connects October 31 to the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day, creating a continuous break from October 31 to November 2. Inquirer.net (major Philippine news outlet) reported the announcement, emphasizing its impact on domestic tourism.

“October 31, 2025 is declared as an additional special (non-working) day nationwide to strengthen family ties and promote domestic tourism.”

— Proclamation No. 727, Office of the President of the Philippines

The implication: if you’re in the Philippines, October 31 is part of a four-day weekend (Oct 31–Nov 2) that encourages travel and family gatherings. For employers, the pay rules for special non-working days apply — employees who work earn an extra 30% of their daily wage, under DOLE Directive.

Why is October 20, 2025 a holiday?

October 20, 2025 is designated as a special non-working holiday in the Philippines, commemorating the return of American forces during World War II. This date marks the Leyte Gulf Landing in 1944, a pivotal moment in the liberation of the Philippines from Japanese occupation.

What is the significance of October 20 in the Philippines?

The Leyte Gulf Landing began on October 20, 1944, when General Douglas MacArthur waded ashore at Palo, Leyte, fulfilling his promise to return. The day is observed under Republic Act 1745, which designates certain historical anniversaries as special non-working days. GlobalHolidaysCalendar (holiday aggregator) includes October 20 in its Philippine holiday list for 2025, though the specific proclamation for 2025 is not separately published. The day is not a regular holiday, so pay rules follow the special non-working day guidelines.

How is October 20, 2025 designated?

According to the Philippine government’s holiday classification, October 20 is a special non-working holiday nationwide. However, the exact proclamation for 2025 has not been widely published as of early 2025. The status is based on Republic Act 1745, which establishes the day as a holiday. Some sources, like Dayspedia (calendar aggregator), list zero official holidays in October 2025, indicating inconsistency in reporting. This means travelers and businesses should confirm with the official government gazette before making plans.

What to watch

The Philippine government may issue a separate proclamation each year clarifying the holiday status of October 20. As of mid-2025, the primary reference remains Republic Act 1745. For employers, the safest approach is to treat October 20 as a special non-working day unless an official update states otherwise.

Bottom line: The catch: while October 20 is legally recognized, its practical observance depends on the annual proclamation. In 2025, the absence of a dedicated proclamation creates ambiguity. For workers, checking with their HR department a month before the date is advisable.

Timeline: October 2025 Bank Holidays at a Glance

  • – Columbus Day (US federal holiday)
  • – Special non-working holiday (Philippines, per RA 1745)
  • – October Bank Holiday (Ireland)
  • – Special non-working holiday (Philippines, Proclamation 727)

Confirmed facts

  • Columbus Day is a US federal holiday on October 13, 2025.
  • Ireland’s October Bank Holiday is on October 27, 2025.
  • Philippines has a special non-working holiday on October 31, 2025.

What’s unclear

  • Whether the UK, Canada, or other countries have October bank holidays not covered.
  • Private sector pay rules for special non-working days may vary by company.
  • The exact confirmation of the October 20, 2025 holiday in the Philippines via a 2025-specific proclamation.

Quotes from official sources

“Columbus Day is one of the legal public holidays in the United States.”

— Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis (US central bank)

“October 31, 2025 is declared as an additional special (non-working) day nationwide to strengthen family ties and promote domestic tourism.”

— Proclamation No. 727, Office of the President of the Philippines

For employees in the Philippines and Ireland, the October holidays offer a clear break—but the rules differ. US workers on Columbus Day get a federal day off, while private sector pay varies. The pattern across these three countries shows that October bank holidays are not uniform; each reflects a unique legislative and cultural context. For travelers planning a long weekend in October 2025, the takeaway is: check your country’s specific holiday schedule and pay rules before booking. For HR managers in multinational firms, the implication is clear: you need separate calendars for each jurisdiction, or risk compliance errors.

Additional sources

cms.gre.economist.com, fm104.ie, sss-canberra.com, bankholidays.ie

Travelers looking to make the most of the long weekend can also check out October 2025 holiday guide for budget-friendly getaway ideas.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a bank holiday and a public holiday?

In many countries, bank holidays are a subset of public holidays, typically days when banks and many businesses close. Public holidays may include additional days like religious or commemorative holidays. In Ireland, the October Bank Holiday is a public holiday.

Are all US federal holidays also bank holidays?

Yes, US federal holidays are effectively bank holidays because federal offices, including the Federal Reserve, close. However, the term “bank holiday” is less commonly used in the US; “federal holiday” is standard.

Do all businesses in Ireland close on the October Bank Holiday?

Most businesses close, but retail, hospitality, and some essential services may remain open. Employees who work on the day are entitled to a compensatory paid day off or premium pay under the Organisation of Working Time Act.

Is October 31, 2025 a holiday in other countries besides the Philippines?

October 31 is Halloween in many countries, but it is not a bank or public holiday in the US, Ireland, or most of Europe. In the Philippines it is a special non-working day.

How are special non-working holidays determined in the Philippines?

They are declared by the President through proclamations, often based on existing laws (e.g., Republic Act 1745) or for specific events. Proclamation No. 727 covers the October 31, 2025 holiday.

What happens if a bank holiday falls on a weekend?

In Ireland, if a bank holiday falls on a weekend, it is usually observed on the following Monday. In the US, federal holidays that fall on a weekend are observed on the nearest weekday. The Philippines does not automatically shift special non-working days.

Are schools closed on October 20, 2025 in the Philippines?

Since October 20 is a special non-working holiday, most government offices and public schools are closed. Private schools may choose to close or remain open, depending on their policies.

Can employers require employees to work on a bank holiday?

Yes, in many jurisdictions, employers can require work on a bank holiday, but they must provide compensatory benefits such as additional pay or a substitute day off. The specifics depend on local labor laws.

For more information on upcoming costs and calendar changes in Ireland, see our article on November Cost of Living Changes 2025 Ireland.