Dublin: European Union countries, including Ireland, are preparing for the annual switch to summer time, a seasonal change designed to maximise daylight during the warmer months and extend evening light.
As Ireland endures winter’s short days and long nights, many are looking forward to brighter evenings. Clocks will move forward by one hour in the early hours of Sunday, March 29, ushering in daylight saving time. Following the change, sunset will occur at around 8 p.m., with evenings continuing to lengthen through the spring.
By April 18, sunset is expected at approximately 8.30 p.m., extending to around 9 p.m. by the end of the month. This year’s change comes one day earlier than in 2025, when clocks were adjusted on March 30.
Most smartphones and smartwatches will update automatically at 1 a.m., jumping ahead to 2 a.m. Traditional clocks and watches, however, will need to be adjusted manually. While the transition results in the loss of one hour’s sleep, the longer daylight hours are widely welcomed.
The time change is observed across all EU member states and was introduced to make better use of natural light as the Earth orbits the Sun.
In 2019, an EU-wide opinion poll found strong public opposition to seasonal clock changes, prompting a vote to abolish the practice after 2021. However, implementation was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, EU institutions have not progressed the decision, and the European Commission has indicated it does not plan to bring forward a new proposal on the issue.
Clocks will revert to winter time later in the year, moving back by one hour on Sunday, October 26.
For those following the astronomical calendar, Friday, March 20, marks the first day of spring. The spring equinox signals the gradual return of longer days, brighter evenings and improved sunlight — changes that are closely associated with the seasonal shift in time.
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