Ireland’s Clock Change 2026: When Do the Clocks Go Forward?

Ireland is preparing to spring forward, marking the official transition to Daylight Saving Time (DST) and brighter evenings. Here’s everything you need to know about the clock change in 2026, including the exact date, time and reasons behind it.

When Do the Clocks Go Forward in 2026?

This year, the clocks in Ireland will go forward one hour at 1:00 AM on Sunday, March 29, 2026. This means that 1:00 AM will immediately grow 2:00 AM, resulting in one less hour of sleep. Irish Mirror and Citizens Information confirm this date.

Why Do We Change the Clocks?

The practice of changing clocks twice a year – forward in spring and back in autumn – is known as Daylight Saving Time (DST). The primary goal is to make better use of natural daylight. By shifting the clock forward during the warmer months, evenings become longer, allowing people to enjoy more daylight after work or school. This is particularly beneficial for countries further from the equator, like Ireland, which experience significant variations in daylight hours throughout the year.

How Does This Affect Ireland?

Following the clock change, Ireland will experience later sunrises, and sunsets. Some areas will enjoy sunsets after 8:00 PM as the “grand auld stretch” in the evenings returns.

Will My Devices Automatically Update?

Most modern smartphones and computers will automatically adjust to the new time. However, it’s advisable to check and ensure that any manually set clocks, such as those in older appliances or decorative items, are updated accordingly.

Is This Practice Universal?

The clock change is observed across all EU member states on the last Sunday in March. Iceland is the exception, maintaining Western European Time year-round. In North America, DST begins on the second Sunday in March, while Australia adjusts its clocks on the first Sunday in April.

Future of Daylight Saving Time

In 2019, the European Parliament voted in favor of ending seasonal time changes. However, EU institutions have not yet implemented this decision, and the European Commission has indicated it does not currently plan to submit a new proposal. It is expected that the practice of changing clocks will continue for the foreseeable future.

When Do the Clocks Go Back?

Clocks will go back by one hour at 2:00 AM on the last Sunday in October, October 25, 2026. At 2:00 AM, the time will change to 1:00 AM.