A clock change is on the way for Ireland, with people set to get an extra hour in bed next weekend
A clock change is on the way for Ireland later this month
As we move away from summer and towards the winter months, the days are getting ever shorter and dark evenings are beginning to creep in.
And as we head towards the end of October it means a clock change is on the way for Ireland, with people set to get an extra hour in bed later this month.
Clocks go back across all EU member states on the last Sunday in October and forward on the last Sunday in March. One helpful way of remembering which way the clocks will change is – “spring forward, fall back”.
The clocks went forward on the last Sunday of March (March 30, 2025) at 1am, and will now go back by one hour at 2am on the last Sunday of October, which is on October 26 this year.
For anyone who owns a smartphone, you don’t need to worry because it will automatically update you with the correct time, but for those decorative clocks, you will need to manually update them.
This tradition of changing the clocks, which is known as ‘falling back’, was introduced to make better use of natural daylight. The shift means that mornings will be brighter, allowing for an extra hour of daylight, however, it also means that evening darkness will arrive earlier.
Spring forward, Fall back: Remember to adjust your clocks back one hour(Image: Getty)
Looking ahead, clocks will go forward next year on Sunday, March 29, and back on Sunday, October 25.
Watches2U Founder, Danny Toffel, researched the main issues that changing the time brings – and offered some tips on how to prepare.
He said: “As the clocks go back, we’re reminded that this time change impacts more than just our daily schedules. From rising energy costs to disruptions in sleep and mood, the shift can affect many aspects of life, including health and safety. At Watches2U, we recognise that keeping track of time is about more than just minutes and hours – it’s about staying in control amidst seasonal changes.”
He said that by adjusting your clocks and planning ahead, you can make the transition smoother. Danny suggested the following:
Set analogue clocks/watches in advance: Set them back one hour before going to bed the night before the time change. This will help prevent confusion in the morning.Gradual adjustment: To minimise the shock of the time change, gradually adjust your bedtime by 10 minutes later each night in the week leading up to it.Relaxing routine: Establish a calming evening routine to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.Morning sunlight: Go for a walk in the morning sunlight to help reset your circadian rhythm.Reduce caffeine: Limit caffeine intake after midday to promote earlier relaxation in the evening.Early dinner: Eat dinner earlier to allow your digestive system to adjust to the time change.Avoid alcohol: Try to avoid alcohol before bed during the time change period.Watches2U Founder, Danny Toffel, researched the main issues that changing the time brings – and offered some tips on how to prepare. He said: “As the clocks go back, we’re reminded that this time change impacts more than just our daily schedules. From rising energy costs to disruptions in sleep and mood, the shift can affect many aspects of life, including health and safety. At Watches2U, we recognise that keeping track of time is about more than just minutes and hours – it’s about staying in control amidst seasonal changes.Set analogue clocks/watches in advance: Set them back one hour before going to bed the night before the time change. This will help prevent confusion in the morning.Gradual adjustment: To minimise the shock of the time change, gradually adjust your bedtime by 10 minutes later each night in the week leading up to it.Relaxing routine: Establish a calming evening routine to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.Morning sunlight: Go for a walk in the morning sunlight to help reset your circadian rhythm.Reduce caffeine: Limit caffeine intake after midday to promote earlier relaxation in the evening.Early dinner: Eat dinner earlier to allow your digestive system to adjust to the time change.Avoid alcohol: Try to avoid alcohol before bed during the time change period.
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