Daylight Saving 2026: When Do the Clocks Change in Ireland?
As the days lengthen and the "grand stretch" returns to the Irish evenings, it’s time to prepare for the first time change of the year. In 2026, the transition to Daylight Saving Time (DST) will happen on Sunday, 29 March. While moving the clocks forward by one hour is a rite of spring, it also has a direct impact on your household energy habits and your electricity tariff timings.
When Exactly Do the Clocks Change?
In Ireland, the clocks always jump forward on the last Sunday of March. In 2026, at 01:00 AM on Sunday, 29 March, the time officially becomes 02:00 AM. We move from Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to Irish Standard Time (IST).
1. The "Spring Forward" Logistics
The primary goal of the change is to better align our waking hours with natural sunlight. While your smartphone, laptop, and smart meter will likely update automatically, don't forget the manual overrides.
You will still need to manually adjust your microwave, oven clock, and older car dashboards. It is also a perfect time to perform a quick "home health check"—many Irish households use the clock change as a reminder to check their carbon monoxide alarms and smoke detectors.
2. Impact on NightSaver and Smart Tariffs
If you are using a NightSaver tariff or a Smart Meter plan, the "off-peak" window shifts during the summer months.
- Winter Hours (GMT): Cheap electricity is typically available from 11:00 PM to 8:00 AM.
- Summer Hours (IST): Once the clocks go forward, the cheap window moves to 12:00 AM (midnight) to 9:00 AM.
Ensure you adjust the timers on your dishwasher or tumble dryer to reflect this shift, or you may find yourself paying peak electricity prices for heavy appliance use.
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3. Maximising Natural "Solar Gain"
With sunset moving an hour later, you have a prime opportunity to reduce your consumption. By delaying the use of artificial lighting in the evenings, you can shave a measurable amount off your monthly bill.
Additionally, the increased evening sun can provide "passive solar gain." Keep your curtains open later to allow the sun to naturally warm your living spaces, reducing the load on your gas boiler during the early evening.
If you find your home is still losing heat too quickly, it may be time to look into home insulation.
The EU Debate and the Border
While the EU Parliament voted to scrap seasonal clock changes in 2019, the proposal remains stalled. For Ireland, the situation is unique due to the border. The government remains wary of creating a time discrepancy with Northern Ireland, which could happen if the UK does not follow suit.
4. Review Your Energy Plan for the Brighter Months
The shift to Daylight Saving Time is a great milestone to "spring clean" your utility bills. Many Irish consumers are still on "Standard" rates, which are significantly higher than the discounted plans offered to new customers.
By switching energy providers, you can often secure a much better rate. If you are a high-energy user, you might also consider the cheapest electricity plans currently available for the summer season.
| Supplier | Offer Details | Selectra Score | Estimated Annual Bill |
|---|---|---|---|
 Fixed Electricity |
|
 |
1306 € Call to Compare Prices |
| See more Hide | |||
|
Unit Rate
Urban: 0.221 € / kWh
Rural: 0.221 € / kWh Standing Charge
Urban: 252.65 € / Year
Rural: 306.6 € / Year |
|||
 Standard, 24hr |
|
|
1390 € Call to Compare Prices |
| See more Hide | |||
|
Unit Rate
Urban: 0.2335 € / kWh
Rural: 0.2335 € / kWh Standing Charge
Urban: 277.4 € / Year
Rural: 279 € / Year |
|||
 Standard, 24hr |
|
 |
1405 € Call to Compare Prices |
| See more Hide | |||
|
Unit Rate
Urban: 0.2452 € / kWh
Rural: 0.2452 € / kWh Standing Charge
Urban: 241.78 € / Year
Rural: 303.5 € / Year |
|||
 Standard, 24hr |
|
|
1437 € Call to Compare Prices |
| See more Hide | |||
|
Unit Rate
Urban: 0.255 € / kWh
Rural: 0.255 € / kWh Standing Charge
Urban: 230.06 € / Year
Rural: 288.97 € / Year |
|||
 Standard, 24hr |
|
|
1451 € Call to Compare Prices |
| See more Hide | |||
|
Unit Rate
Urban: 0.2594 € / kWh
Rural: 0.2594 € / kWh Standing Charge
Urban: 224.56 € / Year
Rural: 281.89 € / Year |
|||
|
Standard, 24hr |
|
 |
1460 € Call to Compare Prices |
| See more Hide | |||
|
Unit Rate
Urban: 0.2545 € / kWh
Rural: 0.2545 € / kWh Standing Charge
Urban: 252.65 € / Year
Rural: 287.97 € / Year |
|||
 Smart 24 Hours |
|
|
1464 € Call to Compare Prices |
| See more Hide | |||
|
Unit Rate
Urban: 0.2578 € / kWh
Rural: 0.2578 € / kWh Standing Charge
Urban: 243.13 € / Year
Rural: 306.68 € / Year |
|||
 Standard, 24hr |
|
|
1467 € Call to Compare Prices |
| See more Hide | |||
|
Unit Rate
Urban: 0.2642 € / kWh
Rural: 0.2642 € / kWh Standing Charge
Urban: 219 € / Year
Rural: 255 € / Year |
*Figures are for illustrative purposes only. Calculations based on average consumption figures (4200 kWh) for an urban home with a fixed meter. All new customer discounts have been applied.
Read more about the Selectra Score.
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