When do clocks go forward Ireland 2026? Date and time for spring forward
The clocks go forward by one hour on Sunday, March 29 at 1am - here's everything you need to know about the spring clock changeA clock change is just around the corner, with people set to lose an hour's sleep this month, though the trade-off is longer, brighter evenings ahead.The extended daylight hours in the evenings have been a welcome sight over recent weeks — and there is even more light on the horizon as the clocks spring forward next weekend.Within just a few days, the full benefit of the summer clock will be felt as the time shifts forward by one hour — a process commonly referred to as Daylight Saving Time (DST). The upshot is that daylight stretches further into the evening and mornings brighten earlier, making it good news all round.Each winter, the clocks roll back one hour, before jumping forward again each spring. A handy trick for remembering which direction the clocks move is the old phrase — "spring forward, fall back".Here's everything you need to know about the clocks going forward one hour later this month, reports the Irish Mirror.When does it happen?Clocks go forward by one hour at 1am on the last Sunday of March. This year, the clocks will go forward on Sunday, March 29 at 1am. It means our clocks will instead jump ahead to 2am, giving us less time in bed but more time to enjoy daylight in the evenings.Smartphone owners needn't worry, as their devices will automatically update to the correct time, however those with decorative wall clocks will need to adjust them manually.In the immediate aftermath of the clock change, parts of Ireland will be treated to sunsets after 8pm, as the much-loved grand auld stretch in the evenings makes its welcome return. Is this just an Irish thing?Throughout all EU member states, clocks go back on the final Sunday in October and spring forward on the final Sunday in March. The sole exception is Iceland, which maintains Western European time throughout the entire year.Across the pond in North America, Daylight Savings Time (DST) kicks off on the second Sunday in March, whilst clocks retreat on the first Sunday in November.Down under in Australia, meanwhile, the clocks wind back on the first Sunday in April.What's the reason behind it?The clock changes allow us to maximise natural daylight. Nations positioned further from the equator, such as Ireland, experience more hours of darkness as a result of the time shift.The practice became law to optimise natural light as our planet orbits the sun. Given that winter brings naturally darker conditions, the time shifts backwards, granting people an additional hour in bed, whilst in summer, the clock advances to provide longer evenings.When exactly do clocks go back?Clocks retreat by one hour at 2am on the final Sunday in October. This year, the clock will 'fall back' on 25 October 2026.This means that at 2am on 25 October, the time displayed will revert to 1am.Back in 2019, the European Parliament backed a motion to end these biannual time changes. However, EU institutions haven't advanced on putting this decision into practice, and the European Commission has indicated it won't be putting forward a fresh proposal on this matter to Parliament. This indicates that no alterations to summer and winter time are anticipated in the foreseeable future.Want to see more of the stories you love from Dublin Live? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives, top stories and must-read content straight away. To add Dublin Live as a preferred source, simply click here.
