Exact date clocks change in Ireland with 5pm sunsets just around the corner
A clock change is on the way for Ireland, with people set to get an extra hour in bed later month. Daylight saving time was designed to make the most of natural light, but its days could be numbered.
With autumn now in full swing, the signs of the changing season are unmistakable. The days are growing shorter, the evenings darker and the temperatures are steadily dropping. Leaves are falling from the trees, and the chill in the air signals that winter is just around the corner.
Alongside the colder weather, another seasonal shift is fast approaching: the end of daylight saving time. For many, this brings a mix of feelings. On one hand, we gain an extra hour of sleep when the clocks go back - a welcome treat, especially as the colder weather makes it harder to leave a warm bed. On the other hand, the downside is earlier sunsets. With darkness setting in around 5pm later this month, longer evenings spent indoors and commutes in the dark will soon be the norm.
This year, the clocks will officially go back one hour on Sunday, October 27, marking the end of daylight saving time for 2024. The clocks were last adjusted on March 31, when they went forward, and now they’ll turn back at 2am.
According to predictions from timeanddate.com, sunset on October 27 will be at 5.01pm, with the following day’s sunset slightly earlier at 4.59pm. By November 27, the days will be even shorter, with sunset predicted at 4.13pm.
READ MORE: Michael Kors has unbelievable discounts on designer bags in massive pre-Christmas sale
READ MORE: Stop condensation dripping on windows for good with common household items
For anyone that uses a smartphone, it will automatically update with the correct time, however clocks will need to be manually updated.
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.
Do the clocks change elsewhere?
All EU member states adjust their clocks at this time, moving them forward again on the last Sunday of March in 2025. Iceland is the exception, as it stays on Western European Time all year round.
In the United States and Canada, daylight saving time begins at 2am on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November. Meanwhile, Australia moves its clocks forward on the first Sunday in April and back on the first Sunday in October.
However, some countries, such as China, Japan and India, do not observe daylight saving time.
Why do the clocks change?
DST has been used since the 18th century to save energy and the change was made law in order to make the best of natural light as the earth travels around the sun. As it is naturally darker during the winter, the time goes back, giving people an extra hour's sleep in bed and in summer, the clock goes forward to allow for longer evenings.
DST was first introduced in Germany in April in 1916 - with the Ireland adopting DST shortly after in May 1916. The impact of the change varies, with countries further from the equator who experience more hours of darkness benefitting most from the system.
In 2019, the European Parliament voted to scrap Daylight Saving Time permanently. It came after a poll of 4.6 million EU citizens showed strong support for getting rid of it. The last clock change was due to take place in spring 2021, but the proposal was put on the back burner while the world coped with the Covid pandemic.
The European Commission and the European Parliament continue dialogue on the issue, however talks have stalled since the UK left the EU. Agreement would have to be reached with the UK to move in unison.
Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Related
Share this page
Guest Posts by Easy Branches
