What is the longest break 5 days of annual leave can buy in 2027?

12 days: Dec 23 – Jan 3. Take Dec 23, Dec 24, Dec 29, Dec 30, Dec 31 off and join them to Christmas Day (substitute), Boxing Day (substitute), New Year's Day (substitute) and the weekends.

How do I get the most days off from 5 days of annual leave in 2027?

Split it into 5 breaks: Mar 26–30, 5 days for 1; Jul 10–13, 4 days for 1; Aug 28–31, 4 days for 1; Dec 25–29, 5 days for 1; Dec 31 – Jan 3, 4 days for 1. That is 22 days off for 5 days of annual leave.

Which breaks in 2027 need no leave at all?

New Year's Day: Jan 1–3 (3 days); Good Friday, Easter Monday: Mar 26–29 (4 days); Early May bank holiday: May 1–3 (3 days); Spring bank holiday: May 29–31 (3 days); Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen's Day): Jul 10–12 (3 days); Summer bank holiday: Aug 28–30 (3 days); Christmas Day (substitute), Boxing Day (substitute): Dec 25–28 (4 days).

Northern Ireland 2027 Annual Leave Planner

Assuming a Monday–Friday job and Northern Ireland's 2027 public holidays: 5 days of annual leave buy a 12-day break (Dec 23 – Jan 3), or 22 days of breaks spread over the year. Try your own number.

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2027 at a glance

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Breaks in 2027 that need no leave

Jan 1–3New Year's Day · 3 days
Mar 26–29Good Friday, Easter Monday · 4 days
May 1–3Early May bank holiday · 3 days
May 29–31Spring bank holiday · 3 days
Jul 10–12Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen's Day) · 3 days
Aug 28–30Summer bank holiday · 3 days
Dec 25–28Christmas Day (substitute), Boxing Day (substitute) · 4 days

How it works

Assumes a Monday–Friday job: weekends and public holidays need no leave.
“Holiday by holiday” lists each upcoming holiday from today on, with the longest break your days can buy around it, nearest first.
“Longest single break” finds the longest run of days off; “Most days off in total” splits your days across several breaks to maximise the total; “One long trip + long weekends” keeps at least one break of 9+ days.
Leave is taken within the year; a break may run into the New Year days just before or after it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the longest break 5 days of annual leave can buy in 2027?: 12 days: Dec 23 – Jan 3. Take Dec 23, Dec 24, Dec 29, Dec 30, Dec 31 off and join them to Christmas Day (substitute), Boxing Day (substitute), New Year's Day (substitute) and the weekends.
How do I get the most days off from 5 days of annual leave in 2027?: Split it into 5 breaks: Mar 26–30, 5 days for 1; Jul 10–13, 4 days for 1; Aug 28–31, 4 days for 1; Dec 25–29, 5 days for 1; Dec 31 – Jan 3, 4 days for 1. That is 22 days off for 5 days of annual leave.
Which breaks in 2027 need no leave at all?: New Year's Day: Jan 1–3 (3 days); Good Friday, Easter Monday: Mar 26–29 (4 days); Early May bank holiday: May 1–3 (3 days); Spring bank holiday: May 29–31 (3 days); Battle of the Boyne (Orangemen's Day): Jul 10–12 (3 days); Summer bank holiday: Aug 28–30 (3 days); Christmas Day (substitute), Boxing Day (substitute): Dec 25–28 (4 days).

Northern Ireland 2027 holiday calendar 2026 leave planner

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Dates come from the same data as the Northern Ireland 2027 holiday calendar, where each date cites its source. Your employer decides when leave can be taken. · Privacy

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