When do the clocks change in March 2026? Wind them forward and get ready for summer time

If you're one of those who still find themselves asking when do the clocks change this season, brace yourself because the date is just around the corner. Like every year around this time, March is when we say goodbye to winter time and welcome longer, brighter days. But hold on, it's not as straightforward as it seems: the change always brings a bit of confusion with it, and even more so if it coincides with a bank holiday weekend or a special celebration. And this year, 2026, there's an extra twist because the adjustment falls right on Palm Sunday.

The early hours of March 29th: losing an hour's sleep

Mark the date well: on the night of Saturday March 28th to Sunday March 29th, we shift the hands again. At 1 am, it will suddenly be 2 am. Yes, you read that right: we lose an hour's sleep that night. If your phone is connected to the internet, you won't have to do a thing, as it updates automatically. But your wristwatch, the oven clock, the microwave, and that old alarm clock you keep for sentimental reasons... those you'll have to change manually on Saturday before you go to bed, or on Sunday morning when you're up and feeling a bit groggy.

This year, the date has an extra symbolic touch: it falls on Palm Sunday, the starting gun for the Easter festivities. So, the morning church services, the palm leaves, and the whole Easter atmosphere will be experienced in a different light, one that's more spring-like. And just so you know, anyone planning to travel that weekend will need to keep the clock change firmly in mind so they don't miss their train or flight. An hour less sleep, but an hour more daylight in the evening.

Is the clock change's number up?

We've been hearing for years that the lads in Brussels want to scrap the whole ordeal, that the European Commission proposed ditching it back in 2021, that they couldn't reach an agreement in the end... Well, for now, nothing's changed. Ireland sticks with the twice-yearly adjustment, and 2026 is no different. So, while the politicians are dithering, we're left pushing our clocks forward and back twice a year. And sure, although we moan about it, we always end up adapting. Your body feels the shift, especially for the first few days: it's harder to get up, you feel hungry at odd hours... But within a week, more or less, we're in full summer mode.

To make this transition a bit easier, it helps to put into practice what the book Creative Correction calls "extraordinary ideas for everyday life." Nothing too drastic, just small gestures that help reset your routine. For example:

• The Saturday before, try to go to bed a bit earlier than usual to make up for the hour you'll lose.
• On Sunday, as soon as you're up, get outside and soak up some sun. Natural light is the best regulator for our internal body clock.
• During the first few days, avoid heavy dinners and too much screen time before bed. It might sound like advice from your granny, but it works.
• If you have small kids or pets, start shifting their meal and walk times forward by 10-15 minutes each day so the change isn't so abrupt for them.

They're small things, sure, but they make a difference. When you think about it, the clock change is really just an invitation to hit reset on our habits and make the most of the daylight. And although it catches some people out every year, those of us with a few grey hairs know that the last weekend in March means putting the clocks forward. It's as sure a sign as spring itself.

A quick recap so you don't get caught out

To finish up, a quick reminder of when the clocks change and what you need to do:

• When: In the early hours of Saturday March 28th to Sunday March 29th, 2026.
• How: At 1 am, it becomes 2 am. For non-automatic digital clocks, wind them back? No, forward! For mechanical ones, give them a half-turn forward.
• The result: We'll lose an hour's sleep, but we'll gain an hour more of daylight in the evening.
• Bonus: That same day marks the start of Easter with Palm Sunday. So if you're heading to Mass or to see any processions, keep it in mind so you're not running late.

So now you know. This month, when Saturday night rolls around, before you hop into bed, do the mental maths that when you get up the next day, it'll actually be an hour later than your body clock thinks. And if you have any important plans on Sunday morning, set two alarms. Just to be safe. Because there's always someone who says, "sure I get all mixed up with the clock change"... and that someone won't be you.