The clocks went back overnight which means winter has officially begun.
But there's a practical reason for the extra hour in bed - advocates of Daylight Savings Time believe it saves energy, reduces traffic accidents and crime and is good for business.
The tradition was started by Germany and Austria during World War One, when they wanted to cut the amount of coal they were using.
Here in Ireland, the Dáil is considering the Brighter Evenings Bill,bringing us in line with Europe.
In the meantime it will be dark by around six this evening and Chief Superintendent Michael O'Sullivan has this advice for winter driving:
