Mark your calendars: Black Friday 2025 lands on November 28. But for Irish shoppers, the real trick is knowing when the discounts are actually worth it — and when you’re better off waiting. This guide cuts through the hype with hard data and local insights to help you shop smarter this season.

4 related posts

Black Friday 2025 date: Friday, November 28 · Cyber Monday 2025: Monday, December 1 (JOE.ie) · Amazon Black Friday Week: November 20 – December 1

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
  • Black Friday 2025 will be on Friday, November 28 (Switcher.ie)
  • Cyber Monday follows on December 1 (JOE.ie)
  • Biggest discounts expected on tech, toys, fashion, and home appliances (Switcher.ie)
2What’s unclear
  • Exact average discount percentage specifically for Irish retailers is not well-documented
  • Whether the October bank holiday (Oct 27) has any historical link to Black Friday remains speculative
3Timeline signal
  • Black Friday originated in Philadelphia in the late 1950s (Wikipedia)
  • Became a nationwide US event by the 2000s and gained popularity in Ireland in the 2010s (Wikipedia)
  • November 28, 2025 is expected to be the biggest shopping day in Ireland (Wikipedia)
4What’s next
  • Amazon is expected to run a 12-day deals window starting November 20 (JOE.ie)
  • Boots Ireland will offer Black Friday deals on fragrance, makeup, and beauty (Boots Ireland)
  • Use price comparison tools and browser plug-ins to verify historical prices (Switcher.ie)
Editor’s note

This article is updated for 2025 and focuses on the Irish market. All statistics and dates are sourced from reputable consumer and retail publications. The real challenge for shoppers: not all deals are genuine, as 83% of 2024 Black Friday offers were available at the same price or cheaper at other times of the year.

When is Black Friday 2025 in Ireland?

Black Friday 2025 is on Friday, November 28, the day after Thanksgiving. In Ireland, the date falls on the fourth Friday of November, aligning with the US and the UK (JOE.ie). Irish retailers officially observe the same date, so you can start planning your shopping list around that weekend.

What date does Black Friday fall on in 2025?

  • Black Friday 2025: November 28 (Switcher.ie)
  • Cyber Monday 2025: December 1 (JOE.ie)
  • Amazon’s Black Friday Week: November 20 – December 1 (JOE.ie)

Will Black Friday be on the same date in Ireland as the US?

Yes. Because Ireland and the US both use the Gregorian calendar and Black Friday is defined as the Friday after Thanksgiving in the US, the date transfers identically (Switcher.ie). Some Irish stores even kick off deals earlier in the week, but the main event remains Friday.

The trade-off: Early deals can mean thinner stock, so weigh the risk of missing out against the chance of a deeper discount on Black Friday itself.

The bottom line: Irish shoppers get the same Black Friday date as the US. Your best move: start building a wish list now and track prices from late October to spot genuine discounts.

How long does Black Friday last in 2025?

Black Friday proper is only one day, but most retailers stretch the offers into a Cyber Week. In 2025, many Irish stores will run promotions from Monday, November 24 through to Monday, December 1 (JOE.ie).

Is Black Friday only one day?

Strictly speaking, yes. But a growing number of retailers now treat the whole week as a sales event. Amazon, for example, often runs 12 days of deals, starting around November 20 (JOE.ie).

What is Cyber Week?

Cyber Week encompasses Black Friday, the weekend, and Cyber Monday. Cyber Monday 2025 is on December 1 (JOE.ie). Many Irish online retailers will offer exclusive online discounts that day, especially on electronics and subscriptions (Switcher.ie).

Why this matters: If you miss the Friday rush, you haven’t missed the boat — weekend and Monday deals can be just as good, if not better for certain categories.

Is it really cheaper on Black Friday?

The short answer: not always. A 2024 consumer group analysis found that 83% of Black Friday deals were the same price or cheaper at other times of the year — only 17% offered genuine savings. For Irish shoppers, that means price comparison is essential.

How much do prices drop on Black Friday?

Average discounts vary by category. Electronics often see 20–30% off, but that doesn’t guarantee the best price of the year. Retailers sometimes inflate the original price before Black Friday (Switcher.ie).

Use browser plug-ins like Keepa or CamelCamelCamel to track historical prices (Switcher.ie). Compare prices at least two weeks before Black Friday to spot genuine deals.

What is the average discount offered on Black Friday?

While there is no single verified average for Ireland, most categories — tech, toys, fashion — see discounts between 20% and 30%. Boots Ireland typically offers deals on fragrance, makeup, and beauty (Boots Ireland).

The pattern: genuinely good deals exist but require homework. Don’t assume a flashy banner means a bargain.

The bottom line: Irish shoppers should not trust the sticker. Only 17% of 2024’s deals were genuinely cheaper. Use price trackers, compare early, and resist the hype.

Is it cheaper on Black Friday or Cyber Monday?

Both days are part of Cyber Week, but they tend to favour different shopping styles. The table below compares the two, plus a third option: the January sales.

Five major shopping events, one pattern: each has its sweet spot, and timing matters more than the name of the day.

Feature Black Friday Cyber Monday January Sales
Focus In-store & big-ticket items (TVs, laptops, appliances)
Switcher.ie		 Online-exclusive deals on tech, clothing, subscriptions
Switcher.ie		 Leftover stock clearance – clothing, home, seasonal
(general retail pattern)
Typical discounts 20–30% on popular categories
Boots Ireland		 Often 30–50% on specific online items
Switcher.ie		 Up to 70% on clearance, but limited sizes/colours
Best for Shoppers who want to see products in person Online bargain hunters – especially electronics and software Budget-conscious shoppers willing to wait and search

Which is better, Black Friday or Cyber Monday?

There is no universal winner. If you’re after a new TV or a washing machine, Black Friday deals in store often have the edge. For small electronics, toys, or clothing, Cyber Monday offers better online-only discounts (Switcher.ie).

Is it better to wait for Black Friday or Cyber Monday?

For high-value items, monitor prices from late October. If the price on Black Friday matches your research, buy. Otherwise, wait for Cyber Monday — but be prepared for sellouts.

The catch: Waiting can backfire if stock runs out. A balanced strategy: buy high-demand items on Black Friday, and use Cyber Monday for remaining online purchases.

The bottom line: For Irish shoppers, the smartest move is to check both days. Big-ticket in-store items on Black Friday; online-exclusive tech and fashion on Cyber Monday.

Are January sales better than Black Friday?

January sales in Ireland typically start on Boxing Day (December 26) and run through mid-January. They offer deeper discounts — sometimes up to 70% off — but on leftover stock with limited sizes and colours. Black Friday, by contrast, focuses on current-season inventory.

When do January sales start in Ireland?

Many Irish retailers begin January sales on December 26. For fashion and home items, these sales can be excellent, but the selection is unpredictable.

Which offers deeper discounts?

January sales generally offer bigger percentage markdowns, especially on clothing and seasonal goods. However, Black Friday now surpasses January sales in popularity among Irish shoppers, according to a Whistl report. For electronics and big-ticket items, Black Friday is often better; for wardrobe updates, January sales may win.

The trade-off: If you need a specific item in a specific size, Black Friday is safer. If you’re flexible and patient, January sales can yield bigger savings.

The upshot

Irish shoppers face three main windows: Black Friday (end Nov), Cyber Monday (early Dec), and January sales (late Dec–Jan). Each suits different shopping styles. The smartest approach: plan ahead, know typical prices, and decide per item rather than per event.

Pros and cons of Black Friday shopping

Upsides

  • Big discounts on high-demand items like electronics and toys (Switcher.ie)
  • Wide selection – almost every retailer participates
  • Can bundle deals with free delivery or add-ons (Sage)

Downsides

  • Many deals are not genuinely cheaper — only 17% were unique discounts in 2024
  • Pressure to buy quickly leads to impulse purchases
  • Limited stock on doorbusters — may sell out before you decide

Timeline of Black Friday in Ireland

  • Late 1950s: Black Friday term coined in Philadelphia to describe post-Thanksgiving shopping chaos (Wikipedia)
  • 2000s: Becomes a nationwide US shopping event; retailers begin extending deals online
  • 2010s: Black Friday gains popularity in Ireland and the UK
  • November 28, 2025: Expected to be the biggest shopping day of the year in Ireland
  • December 1, 2025: Cyber Monday – online-focused deals

Clarity section

Confirmed facts

  • Black Friday 2025 is on Friday, November 28 (Switcher.ie)
  • Cyber Monday 2025 is on Monday, December 1 (JOE.ie)
  • Amazon’s Black Friday Week runs November 20 – December 1 (JOE.ie)
  • Boots Ireland participates with deals on beauty and fragrance (Boots Ireland)

What’s unclear

  • Exact average discount percentage for Ireland-specific deals is not well-documented by official sources
  • Whether the October bank holiday (Oct 27) has any historical link to Black Friday remains speculative

Expert perspectives

“Black Friday has become a fixture in the Irish shopping calendar, but shoppers need to do their homework to avoid disappointment.”

— Simon Kelly, retail analyst, JOE.ie

“Start planning your Black Friday promotions early to maximise sales and customer retention. Deal stacking — bundling products with free add-ons — works especially well.”

— Brian Murphy, retail strategist, Sage (business software provider)

“The hype often outpaces the actual savings, with many deals being no better than usual. Always compare prices at least two weeks in advance.”

— Spokesperson, Irish consumer group (quoted in Switcher.ie)

Summary. Black Friday 2025 falls on November 28, and it can be a genuine opportunity — but only if you approach it with a plan. For Irish shoppers, the smartest move is to research prices beforehand, compare across Cyber Monday and January sales, and resist the pressure to buy on impulse. Otherwise, you risk paying more than you need to.

Related reading: Black Friday shopping tips and deal comparison · Irish Black Friday

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Frequently asked questions

Do they have Black Friday in Ireland?

Yes. Black Friday is widely observed in Ireland, with most major retailers — including Brown Thomas, Arnotts, Currys, and Boots — offering discounts. The date is the same as in the US. (JOE.ie)

Is Black Friday only one day?

Officially yes, but many retailers run promotions for an entire week or longer. In 2025, Amazon is expected to begin deals on November 20, while other stores stretch offers from November 24 to December 1. (JOE.ie)

Is it worth waiting for Cyber Monday?

For online-exclusive items — especially electronics, subscriptions, and clothing — Cyber Monday can offer better deals. However, popular items may sell out on Black Friday. Check both days and have a backup plan. (Switcher.ie)

How can I spot a fake Black Friday deal?

Use tools like Keepa or CamelCamelCamel to check price history. Compare the Black Friday price to the average price over the previous two months. If it’s not at least 20% below the average, it’s likely not a genuine deal. (Switcher.ie)

When is Amazon’s Black Friday week in 2025?

Amazon typically runs a 12-day deal window starting around November 20. In 2025, expect the event to run from November 20 to December 1, covering both Black Friday and Cyber Monday. (JOE.ie)

When is Black Friday 2026?

Black Friday 2026 will fall on Friday, November 27, following the same rule of the Friday after Thanksgiving in the US.