Sun finally on the way? – How to make the most of the spring warmth

It's been a long, grey winter, but it finally looks like the sun is peeking through. Mild weather is on the horizon, and with a bit of luck, many places in the south could see double-digit temperatures in the coming days. Foehn winds might even give us an early taste of spring, but as always, we're a bit sceptical: will the sun really shine, or are we in for another letdown? One thing's for sure: when the sun does finally show its face, we need to soak it up for all it's worth.

From winter darkness to spring sunshine

After a long stretch of grey skies and little sun, plenty of us are craving light and warmth. The warmth now seems to be creeping in, and temperatures in the valleys could climb into the low teens. It's typical, isn't it? The moment the sun gets a real hold, we're straight out the door to feel the heat on our faces. But don't be fooled – the March sun is stronger than you think. It's easy to forget how quickly you can burn when you're finally catching some rays after a long winter.

Don't forget the sun cream and sunglasses

Yes, you read that right. Even though there's still a nip in the air, the spring sun is relentless on skin that hasn't seen the light for months. Sun cream should be your constant companion over the next few days, especially if you're heading out for a walk or up into the hills. There's still snow on the ground in many places, and the reflection off the white stuff dramatically intensifies UV radiation.

And what about your eyes? A decent pair of sunglasses is worth their weight in gold right now. Not only do they cut the glare from snow and ice, but they also protect against damage from strong light. Plus, let's be honest, they make you look the part. Dig out your best outdoor gear – it's time to make the most of the sun!

Sunsets not to be missed

When the sun finally graces us with its presence, the evenings become all the more beautiful. A clear spring evening with a sunset over the lough or the mountains can be pure magic. Here are a few tips on spots where the sunset really steals the show:

• Dublin Bay: Head out to a headland or pier and watch the sun slowly dip into the sea.
• The Wild Atlantic Way: Cliffs and coastline create dramatic shadows and skies bursting with colour.
• Antrim Coast: While the midnight sun is more of a Nordic specialty, you can still catch spectacular, lingering sunsets late into the evening here.

Wherever you are, just be sure to set aside a moment to pause and take it all in. These are precisely the moments we've been waiting for all winter.

The solar system and a solar eclipse

The sun isn't just vital for our weather and our mood – it's also the centre of our solar system. Without it, life on Earth simply wouldn't exist. Every now and then, we get spectacular reminders of the sun's power, like during a solar eclipse. This year, there's actually a chance to witness a partial solar eclipse visible from parts of Ireland. It happens when the moon glides between the Earth and the sun, creating an unusual spectacle in the sky. Keep an eye on the dates – and remember, never look directly at the sun without proper protection!

So whether the sun beams down or stays hidden behind the clouds this week, it's good to know that spring is on its way. When the warmth finally arrives, we'll be ready – with sun cream in the bag, sunglasses on, and our eyes on the horizon. Enjoy the days ahead, and don't forget to look up when the evening sky is painted in shades of red and gold.