It’s finally here. That grand stretch in the evening has arrived!
Twice a year we adjust our clocks and now that the clocks have sprung forward, we may have lost an hour in bed but let’s look at what we might gain in its place.
And so, let's talk about what is daylight saving time, why do we do it and what free activities can we do with our extra time?
It’s that time of the year again when we’re welcoming back those precious longer evenings, thanks to daylight saving time (DST). Now, whether we should or should not adhere to daylight saving time is a debate for another day and there’s no denying just how tough it can be leaving for work in the dark and coming home and it’s pitch dark.
It’s the perfect opportunity to squeeze a little more sunshine into our day and, of course, into our outdoor activities. So before we explore what you can do, let’s answer the first question.
What is Daylight Saving Time?
Daylight saving time is that magical part of the year when we move our clocks forward by one hour in the spring and back again in the autumn. This practice shifts an hour of daylight from the morning to the evening, giving us longer evenings to enjoy after our daytime commitments.
Why Do We Do Daylight Saving Time?
In Ireland we first observed DST in 1916. The idea behind DST is to make better use of daylight during the longer days of summer. By moving the clocks forward, we’re effectively shifting an extra hour of sunlight into the evening. This not only allows us to enjoy more free time in the evening but also aims to conserve energy by reducing the need for artificial lighting.
How Can We Make the Most of the Longer Evenings?
Now that you have longer evenings, what can you do with them? The beauty of outdoor activities is that many of them are completely free and can be enjoyed solo or with friends and family. Before we talk about what you can do with your free time let’s mention 2 cost-effective tips to get you outside:
- Plan Ahead: Even though the days are longer, they can still fly by! Make a weekly plan to block out time specifically for outdoor activities. Whether it’s an evening hike every Tuesday or a cycle on Thursdays, having a schedule will help you commit.
- Stay Local: Explore local parks, trails and maybe even beaches. You’d be surprised at the hidden gems you can find close to home. Plus, staying local means less travel time and more playtime.
And here's what you can do with your longer evenings:
Walking and Hiking: Ireland is blessed with stunning landscapes begging to be explored. A quick Google of trails in your area will give you a mountain of options to pick from. From coastal walks to forest hikes or maybe just a stroll around the town, is there anything nicer than going for a walk listening to your favourite podcast?
Cycling: Take advantage of the numerous cycle paths our country offers. It’s a great way to see new sights and keep fit.
Picnics: Longer days are perfect for evening picnics. Pack a meal, grab a blanket, and head to your local park or picnic spot to enjoy dinner with a view. We have the perfect Long Weekend Collection for just this.
Photography: The golden hour just before sunset provides perfect lighting for photography. It’s a wonderful way to document the beauty of our natural surroundings. All you need is your phone.
Wave Watching: With over 3,172km of coastline, Ireland has an unlimited number of places to watch the waves. As the tides roll in and out, wave watching can be a meditative and awe-inspiring activity and sometimes borderline scary!
Embracing these longer evenings can truly enhance your enjoyment and appreciation of the nature on our doorstep. This year Portwest is celebrating 120 years of helping you to stay outdoors for longer.
So, what are you waiting for? What makes the longer evenings so special is they don’t last forever.
The evenings are longer, and adventure is calling. And if there’s anything you need to help you get outside and make the most of the longer evenings you can shop online or visit one of our stores in Westport, Galway City and Killarney.
