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Ideal home show 2026 with WillowWarm

Ideal Home Show 2026 with WillowWarm

We’re delighted to announce that the WillowWarm team will be returning to the Permanent TSB Ideal Home Show, taking place from 16th – 18th October 2026 at the RDS, Dublin.

Following a fantastic experience last year, we’re looking forward to once again welcoming visitors and sharing more about how WillowWarm is helping Irish homes stay warm with a more sustainable approach to solid fuel.

Experience the Warmth of WillowWarm

Visitors will have the opportunity to discover more about our carbon-neutral briquettes, made using Irish-grown willow and locally sourced biomass.

At WillowWarm, we believe staying warm at home should not mean compromising on sustainability. Our briquettes are designed to provide reliable, renewable heat while supporting a cleaner and more sustainable energy future for Ireland.

Whether you are already familiar with WillowWarm or discovering us for the first time, our team will be on hand throughout the weekend to answer your questions and tell you more about what makes WillowWarm different.

Ideal Home Show 2026 with WillowWarm

Championing Irish Made Sustainability

WillowWarm is proudly produced in County Meath, using Irish-grown willow and locally sourced biomass to create a renewable alternative to traditional solid fuels.

As more Irish households look for ways to make environmentally conscious choices at home, sustainable heating solutions continue to play an important role in reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels.

Events such as the Permanent TSB Ideal Home Show provide an excellent opportunity to showcase the importance of homegrown, renewable energy and to speak directly with homeowners who are looking for practical ways to create warmer, more sustainable homes.

Join Us at the RDS This October

We’re excited to be part of another fantastic weekend at the Permanent TSB Ideal Home Show and look forward to meeting homeowners, families and visitors from across Ireland.

Come and visit the WillowWarm team from 16th–18th October 2026 at the RDS, Dublin, and discover how you can bring warmth and sustainability into your home.

To learn more about WillowWarm and our carbon-neutral briquettes, explore our Sustainability page and discover how our products are helping to create a cleaner energy future for Ireland.

Ideal Home Show 2026 with WillowWarm

 

Extend Your Summer Evenings

It’s nearly summer in Ireland, which means we finally have some dry days ahead……maybe even some warm ones! It’s finally time to extend your summer evenings outside and enjoy the warm glow of a WillowWarm fire.

Many people across Ireland are already using and loving our carbon-neutral briquettes in their stoves and fireplaces, but did you know that WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes also work great in outdoor fire pits and BBQs?

WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes burn perfect in outdoor stoves and fire pits all year round

Why WillowWarm Briquettes?

WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes are the perfect fuel source to extend your summer evenings as they burn cleaner, contain no artificial chemicals, and leave behind little ash content.

Because they are made from 100% willow and biomass, there are no harmful chemicals released from your fire pit or onto your food when they burn in your BBQ.

They have a long burn time and produce a strong heat for up to 3 hours to keep you toasty long after the sun sets.

WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes burn perfect in outdoor stoves and fire pits and can be used all year round

How to use WillowWarm Briquettes in your fire pit

1. Prepare Your Fire Pit

Before lighting your fire, make sure your setup is safe.

  • Place your fire pit on a flat, non‑flammable surface, such as stone, brick, or gravel.
  • Keep it at least 10 feet away from your house, sheds, trees, or any overhanging flammable materials or decorations.

Remember: many fire pits conduct heat and can become extremely hot on the outside, leaving space reduces the chance of accidental burns.

 

2. Build the Fire

Build your fire as you normally would:

  • Use a small amount of kindling and a firelighter to create your starter flame.
  • Add no more than two to three WillowWarm briquettes at first. Because they are dense and heavy, adding too many too soon can choke the fire and reduce airflow.

WillowWarm briquettes are designed to burn slowly and steadily, producing a high heat for a consistent amount of time.

 

3. Maintain the Fire

Once your fire is established:

  • Allow each briquette to burn through naturally. A single briquette can burn for well over an hour, with heat output lasting up to three hours.
  • When you feel the heat beginning to ease, add one or two more briquettes as needed. Everyone’s comfort level is different, so adjust based on how warm you like it.
  • Place new briquettes horizontally on the glowing bed for the best burn and most efficient airflow.
  • Avoid overloading the fire pit; too many briquettes at once can reduce oxygen flow and weaken the flame.

 

4. Safety

  • Never leave your fire pit unattended.
  • Store your WillowWarm briquettes somewhere completely dry; they must be kept bone dry for the best performance.
  • When finished, fully extinguish the fire with water and stir the ashes to ensure no embers remain.

For more information on how you can use WillowWarm briquettes in your BBQ, check out our blog “Hosting a Zero-Waste BBQ”.

WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes burn perfect in outdoor stoves and fire pits all year round

Key Tips for a Great Burn

  • Keep it Dry: Always use fully dry briquettes.
  • Less is More: WillowWarm briquettes are more efficient than traditional wood; you’ll need fewer to maintain a consistent, powerful heat.
  • Minimal Ash: WillowWarm briquettes produce less than 3% ash, making cleanup quick and easy.

For ideas on how to reuse your ash after the fire, check out our blog “How to Repurpose Fire Ash” for creative and practical uses.

WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes burn perfect in outdoor stoves and fire pits all year round

If you’d like to enjoy our carbon‑neutral briquettes outdoors in your fire pit to extend your summer evenings, you can find WillowWarm in over 1,500 stockists across Ireland.

And remember, WillowWarm briquettes aren’t just for winter.

The Difference Between Stove Types

Modern heating technology has transformed the way we keep our homes warm. From classic wood-burning stoves to convenient pellet stoves, let’s discuss the difference between the stove types.

The main types of stoves can be broken down into three categories: 1) Wood-burning, 2) Multifuel and 3) Pellet.

Opening up a bale of WillowWarm briquettes

1. Wood-Burning Stoves

Also known as wood burners or log burners, these are the most popular choice for solid fuel heating. They burn wood fuel (such as firewood or WillowWarm briquettes) to create a cosy, strong heat.

Tip: Make sure to use ready-to-burn wood fuel such as WillowWarm briquettes. Burning wet, treated, or waste wood can cause dangerous waste deposits and increase the chance of fire hazards.

WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes glowing in a wood burning stove

2. Multifuel Stoves

Multifuel stoves offer flexibility. They can burn wood fuel like a wood-burning stove, but can also handle smokeless fuels thanks to their unique design. A built-in grate allows airflow for efficient combustion of many different fuel types.

Tip: Never burn multiple fuel types at the same time, as this can damage your stove.

Realxing infront of a glowing WillowWarm fire

3. Pellet Stoves

Pellet stoves combine warmth with convenience. They burn compressed wood pellets and feature digital controls for easy temperature regulation. Pellets are fed automatically from a hopper, maintaining consistent heat without any manual effort, saving you a trip up from your cosy couch!

WillowWarm briquettes burn with a strong flame for one hour and give off heat for an additional two hours at a high consistent heat.

No matter which stove you choose, WillowWarm has you covered.

Our carbon-neutral briquettes work perfectly in wood-burning and multifuel stoves, while our premium pellets are ideal for pellet stoves.

Check out our full range of WillowWarm products here.

Irish Events and Traditions in 2026

Whether you love Irish music, literature, folklore, or simply the joy of coming together, here are some of this year’s standout Irish events and traditions to mark on your calendar.

Trad Fest in Dublin 2026

Main Gatherings and Festivals

TradFest (Jan 21–25, Dublin)

A winter celebration of traditional and folk music in Dublin’s historic venues.

St. Patrick’s Festival (Mar 14–17, Dublin)

Ireland’s national festival with parades, performances, and buzz throughout the city centre.

Bloomsday Festival (Jun 11–16, Dublin)

Step into Irish author James Joyce’s world with readings, performances, and costumed events.

Electric Picnic music festival in Stradbally, Co.Laois

Music Festivals

All Together Now (Jul 30–Aug 2, Waterford)
A boutique blend of music, art, and wellness on the scenic Curraghmore Estate.

Electric Picnic (Aug 28–30, Stradbally)
Ireland’s landmark music and arts festival with big headliners and creative zones.

Cork Jazz Festival (Oct 23–27, Cork)
Jazz legends and emerging artists take over Cork City.

Jazz Instruments

Cultural & Literary Highlights

Galway International Arts Festival (Jul 13–26)
World-class theatre, music, and installations in Galway.

Rose of Tralee (Aug 14–18, Kerry)
A cultural celebration of Irish communities worldwide.

Galway Oyster Festival

Food & Outdoor Adventures

Taste of Dublin (June, Dublin)
Chef demos, tastings, and gourmet pop-ups in the heart of the city.

Galway Oyster Festival (Sep 25–27)
Oyster-shucking championships and seafood tastings by the waterfront.

Connemara Mountain Walking Festival (May 1–3)
Guided walks through stunning Atlantic landscapes.

Connemara Mountain, Co.Galway

These events aren’t just celebrations, they’re a reflection of Ireland’s rich, vibrant culture and deeply rooted community spirit.

WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes are made from 100% Irish willow and biomass.

Stock up on WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes today.

Hosting a Zero-Waste BBQ

It’s nearly summer in Ireland, which means we finally have some dry days ahead, maybe even some warm ones. It’s finally the perfect time to enjoy being outside with friends, family and a delicious BBQ. If you’re interested in hosting a guilt-free event or looking to make your BBQ a little more sustainable, why not try hosting a zero-waste BBQ using the following tips:

Ditch Single-Use Plastics

I know it’s tempting to save yourself the clean up, but avoiding disposable cups, plates, cutlery, and straws and opting for reusable items instead makes a big difference, helps save you some money and prevents excessive waste. The chances are you already have everything you need at home, so why waste money on something you can only use once?

Plan What to Cook in Advance

Avoid food waste by planning what you’d like to cook ahead of time:

  • Estimate portions (e.g., 1 sausage, 1 burger, and 1 bun per person).
  • Don’t overdo it on side servings, like salads and pasta. People tend to only take small servings of those items.
  • Check your fridge and presses before buying more of an item you might already have.
  • Ask guests to bring different types of side dishes to avoid too much of one item.

Friends enjoying the warm glow of a WillowWarm firepit. WillowWarm briquettes work great in all firepits and BBQ's. Enjoy a WillowWarm summer.

Store Your Food Properly

  • Bring out only what you need to start grilling, focusing on small portions at a time instead of cooking it all in bulk.
  • Keep the extra meat/food in the fridge and take it out as needed.
  • Store the salads and bread indoors until you are ready to serve them.

Cook with Sustainable Fuel

Use WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes instead of charcoal to fuel your BBQ. They burn cleaner, reduce your carbon footprint, and contain no artificial chemicals, which means no toxins in your food.

WillowWarm briquettes work perfectly in summer firepits and BBQs

Choose Seasonal & Local Produce

Choose Irish-grown vegetables, herbs, and meats to support local farmers and reduce transport emissions.

Tip: Check out Board Bia’s seasonal calendar to help pick the best in season.

Don’t Throw Away the Leftovers

Don’t let good food go to waste. Leftovers can always be kept for a few days after the event, once you store them correctly in the fridge or freezer.

Use them for lunch the next day or even share some with your guests to take home.

Compost Any Food Scraps

Set up a compost bin for vegetable peelings and all other organic waste. It keeps scraps out of the landfill and creates nutrient-rich soil that you can use in your garden.

Encourage Your Guests to Carpool or Walk

Ask guests to share rides or walk if they live nearby to reduce transport emissions.

WillowWarm briquettes are perfect for BBQs. They’re carbon-neutral, made without artificial chemicals, binders, or glues, meaning no harmful toxins are released into your food.

Stock up today, and any leftover bales can be stored in a dry, sheltered place to use in your fire or stove when the cold weather returns.

Deep Cleaning Your Stove: A Step-by-Step Approach

A wood-burning stove is the perfect way to heat your home, especially during the colder winter months. But to keep it running safely and efficiently, regular cleaning is essential. Neglecting this task can lead to soot-stained glass, poor airflow, and even excess smoke. Follow our step-by-step guide for deep cleaning your stove to keep it in top condition.

WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes are perfect to use in all wood burning stoves

Why Cleaning Your Stove Matters

Burning wood produces creosote, a sticky, flammable residue that builds up inside the flue or chimney. If left unchecked, this increases the risk of chimney fires.

Aside from safety, a clean stove performs better, avoids harmful emissions, warms your home faster, and uses less fuel. Keeping your stove clean means lower heating costs and a longer lifespan for your appliance; good for your home and better for the environment.

A glowing fire fueled by WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes

How Often Should You Clean Your Stove?

  • Occasional use: Every couple of weeks.
  • Daily winter use: Weekly maintenance, with a deep clean monthly.
  • End of season: Always give it a full clean before storing.

If you are experiencing excess smoke, darkened glass, unusual smells, or your fire is struggling to take off, these might be signs that your stove needs a deep clean.

WillowWarm briquettes are 100% Irish made and Irish grown

What You’ll Need

  • Stove-safe glass cleaner or vinegar
  • Metal scraper or ash shovel
  • Soft brush or ash vacuum
  • Dry cloths or old towels
  • Fire rope sealant (if needed)

WillowWarm carbon neutral briquette

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

1. Cool the Stove Completely
Never clean a hot stove. Let it cool overnight before diving into the deep cleaning.

2. Remove Ash and Debris
Scoop out all the ash with a metal shovel and deposit it into a waste container. If you have one, use an ash vacuum to suck up the fine particles; avoid using regular vacuums, as this can damage them.

Tip: Ash from wood fires can be deposited into your compost bin or applied directly to bare ground as a fertilizer. It is a natural source of potassium, calcium, and magnesium, which benefit your soil. It also has a liming effect, so it can help to combat excessively acidic soils.

3. Clean the Glass Door
For light marks, use vinegar, water, and some old newspaper to wipe away the smudges. For more stubborn soot, apply stove glass cleaner or rub cooled ash gently on the glass to help rub it off.

4. Inspect and Clean the Flue
A clear flue ensures proper airflow and reduces fire risk. Hire a professional sweep once or twice a year, or use a flue brush if you’re comfortable cleaning it yourself. Always dispose of the soot safely.

Tip: To safely dispose of chimney soot, ensure it is completely cool, placed in a sealed non-combustible container, and disposed of in your regular black waste bin.

5. Wipe Down the Exterior
Use a dry old cloth to remove dust from the door and surrounding areas. For a shiny look, apply stove restorer or polish. If rust appears, treat it with a rust remover and repaint with stove-safe paint if needed.

6. Check Seals and Gaskets
Inspect the door seals for wear and tear. Replace any frayed rope seals with fire rope sealant to maintain efficiency and avoid losing heat through the gaps.

A warm glowing WillowWarm fire

To Prevent Future Buildup

  • Burn dried wood with less than 20% moisture; the less moisture your fuel has, the less ash it will deposit.
  • Avoid painted, treated wood, plastics, or non-organic materials; these fuel options will release harmful fumes when they burn.
  • Choose hardwoods like oak or ash for cleaner burns.
  • Maintain proper airflow and avoid overloading the firebox; overloading your stove will cause excessive smoke to be released.

WillowWarm briquettes can be found in over 2,000 stockists across Ireland

Tip: WillowWarm briquettes are an excellent choice of fuel; they contain less than 8% moisture, producing minimal ash (<3%), with less mess and an easier clean-up. We also offer WillowWarm pellets for use in pellet stoves.

Stock up on WillowWarm briquettes today and keep your stove sparkling.

Why WillowWarm Briquettes are the Best Solid Fuel

At this stage, you’ve probably heard of WillowWarm briquettes, but do you know why so many households across Ireland are making the switch from traditional solid fuels to our more sustainable, carbon‑neutral alternative? If not, keep reading as we dive into the reasons why WillowWarm briquettes are the best solid fuel around.
WillowWarm Briquettes are 100% grown and produced in Kells, Co. Meath, Ireland

Reason 1 – Proud to be Irish

We are a 100% Irish company. Yes, 100%. From growing the willow used in our product to harvesting, production, and packaging, every part of our process is carried out here in Ireland. Which means you don’t have to support fuels shipped from overseas. Keeping your money within Ireland might seem like a small change, but it makes a BIG difference for this little country we call home.

WillowWarm briquettes are 100% carbon-neutral

Reason 2 – Willow, the Hero Crop

Around 75% of our product is made using Irish‑grown willow, which is harvested and processed into small wood chippings. Our willow crops naturally regrow every two years and are cut from the stump, NOT the roots, allowing the same crop to be used for up to 36 years. This protects the land and soil while locking away carbon beneath the ground. We could go on and on about how much we love Willow, but for now, just know that it’s worthy of being our reason number two on this list.

Willow crops being harvested at WillowWarm HQ in Kells, Co.Meath

Reason 3 – Less Ash = Less Mess

You may have heard friends, family, or even Dermot Bannon mentioning that our briquettes have a “low ash content”, but what does that actually mean? Simply put, our briquettes leave less than 5% ash content behind after being burned. This is because we spend so much time drying out the ingredients during production. Our wood chipping is dried at three different phases, meaning very little water is released when you burn them in your fire, leaving behind minimal ash content. Pretty impressive….. if we do say so ourselves.

Willow crops in WillowWarm HQ in Kells, Co. Meath

Reason 4 – El Natural

The thought of burning toxic chemicals in your fire and releasing them into the air you breathe sounds very unsettling, yet it is a reality in many homes. We carried out chemical testing a while back and were shocked to find a high percentage of lead, arsenic, zinc, and mercury in many other fuel brands. WillowWarm briquettes however are completely natural; from how the willow is grown (with no fertilisers), to production (no artificial binders, glues, or chemicals), right through to burning, with no harmful chemicals released.

Willow chips drying out in the sun in WillowWarm HQ

Reason 5 – Long Burn Time

One downside of a blazing fire is the pain of getting up out of your cosy spot to top it up. Although we can’t promise that this pain will go away entirely, we can certainly reduce it. Our briquettes produce heat for nearly three hours. You get a strong, powerful flame for the first hour, followed by a steady heat for another two hours. Most of our customers find that topping up with one to two briquettes every two hours does the job, so not all that bad.

WillowWarm Briquettes creating a strong glowing fire

Reason 6 – 100% Carbon-Neutral Briquettes

Last, but definitely not least, WillowWarm briquettes are 100% carbon neutral.

Thanks to our hero crop, willow absorbs more carbon dioxide as it grows than is released when it’s burned. On top of that, our wood chippings are dried naturally using the sun and our biomass burner, which is fuelled entirely by materials that would otherwise go to waste.
Topping up a fire with WillowWarm Briquettes

These are just some of the many reasons why WillowWarm briquettes are the best solid fuel around. But don’t just take our word for it – find your local stockist and put them to the test yourself. We’re confident you won’t be disappointed.

Couple chatting in front of a fire

The Best Valentine’s Day Movies

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, these movies are perfect for a cosy night in with your partner or a movie marathon with friends beside the fire.

We’ve put together our favourite Valentine’s Day movies and where you can watch them.

We Live In Time (R)

Recently divorced Tobias meets chef Almut when she hits him with her car, starting a romance that tests their resilience through joy and adversity.

Me Before You (PG‑13)

A heartfelt romantic drama about unexpected connections and loving deeply even when it hurts.

Anyone But You (R)

A modern enemies‑to‑lovers rom‑com filled with chemistry, chaos, and charm.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower (PG‑13)

A beautiful coming‑of‑age story about friendship, healing, and first love.

Good Will Hunting (R)

A powerful drama about love, trauma, and growth, with iconic performances.

Set It Up (TV‑14)

A light, funny, feel‑good rom‑com about two overworked assistants playing Cupid.

Pride & Prejudice (PG)

A timeless, sweeping love story full of tension, charm, and unforgettable chemistry.

The Kissing Booth (TV‑14)

A teen romance full of drama, emotion, and first loves.

Disney+

Romeo & Juliet (PG‑13)

A bold, modern take on Shakespeare’s most iconic love story.

Pretty Woman (R)

An uplifting romantic classic filled with charm and humour.

Enchanted (PG)

A magical musical that brings true love into the real world.

27 Dresses (PG‑13)

A sweet, feel‑good rom‑com about love, timing, and always being the bridesmaid.

10 Things I Hate About You (PG‑13)

A witty, iconic teen romance based on Shakespeare with humour and heart.

Titanic (PG‑13)

A movie classic about love, fate, and the power of connection.

West Side Story (PG‑13)

A musical about star‑crossed love.

Never Been Kissed (PG‑13)

A sweet, nostalgic rom‑com about second chances and finding confidence.

Hands reaching into a bowl of popcorn with a fire in the background

Prime Video

The Idea of You (R)

A modern, romantic drama about reclaiming your joy.

The Notebook (PG‑13)

An emotional love story that has become the standard for romantic films that follow it.

It Ends With Us (PG‑13)

Powerful and emotional dealing with love, trauma, and strength.

Just Go With It (PG‑13)

A fun, light-hearted rom‑com for an easy watch.

He’s Just Not That Into You (PG‑13)

A rom‑com exploring love, miscommunication, and modern relationships.

Couple chatting in front of a fire

So, grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and light your WillowWarm fire…because it’s time to watch the best Valentine’s Day movies.

Stock up on WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes to keep your fire roaring, all night long.

Celebrate St Patrick's Day in Dublin City this March - WillowWarm

St Patrick’s Day in Dublin

Every March, the city bursts into life for St Patrick’s Festival in Dublin. A day that honours Irish heritage, music, and captures true Irish community spirit.

When Is St Patrick’s Festival 2026?

  • Dates: March 14–17, 2026
  • Main Parade: Tuesday, March 17 at 12:00 pm
  • Location: Dublin City Centre

What Is St Patrick’s Day?

St Patrick’s Day celebrates Ireland’s patron saint, credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. Over centuries, it evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture with parades, music, and plenty of craic!

Fun Fact: St Patrick used the shamrock to explain the Christian Trinity, which is what made it Ireland’s iconic symbol.

Crowds gathering for Dublin's St Patrick's Day festival

Parade Route

The National Parade starts at Parnell Square, travels down O’Connell Street, crosses O’Connell Bridge, and winds through the south side, finishing at Kevin Street.

Festival Highlights

  • Street Performers & Marching Bands: O’Connell Street & Temple Bar
  • Open-Air Concerts: Merrion Square
  • Pop-Up Food Markets & Céilí Dancing
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Workshops, storytelling, and art installation

Dublin City lit up at night

Weather & What to Wear

  • Typical Weather Conditions: 8–11 °C, with frequent showers of rain.

Pack layers, waterproof coats, and comfy shoes as rain is a big part of the authentic Irish experience!

Where to Stay

Try to book accommodation early as hotels fill up months in advance. Staying central means easy access to the parade and festival events. Our top Hotel recommendation is the Mercantile Hotel, rated 9.7/10 for location on booking.com.

Best Rated Pubs in Dublin

Road Closures

Expect major city centre closures on March 17 from the early morning until later in the evening. Make sure to plan ahead if you’re driving or using public transport.

WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes glowing in an open fire

After a full day in the city, get cosy and warm at home with WillowWarm Irish briquettes, the perfect way to wind down after celebrating Ireland’s biggest day of the year.

Slán go fóill. 

When are the Clocks Going Forward in 2026?

Daylight Saving Time Changes – When Are the Clocks Going Forward?

It’s that time of the year again, when everyone spends a week asking: “Are we gaining or losing an hour?” 

So, to answer your question once and for all: the clocks go forward one hour at 1 a.m. on Sunday, 29th March 2026. That means we will lose one hour in bed, and the clock will jump from 1 am straight away to 2 am. 

Why Do the Clocks Change?

The concept of changing the clocks, known as Daylight Saving Time (DST), was first introduced to make better use of natural daylight and as a result, reduce energy consumption. 

Here’s how it works: 

  • In spring, we move clocks forward to enjoy longer evenings, with more sunlight. 
  • In autumn, we move them back to get brighter mornings and an easier wake-up. 

When the mornings get lighter, our bodies produce less melatonin (the sleep hormone) and more serotonin (the “feel good” hormone), giving us a subtle energy boost. 

Not Everyone Changes Their Clocks 

While most countries in Europe and North America participate in Daylight Saving Time, plenty of others have said “no thanks.” 

Countries that don’t change their clocks include: 

  • China – operates on one standard time zone year-round. 
  • Japan – stopped using daylight saving time after World War II.  
  • India – sticks to Indian Standard Time all year. 
  • Iceland – so far north, daylight saving time barely makes a difference. 
  • Most of Africa and South America don’t change their clocks at all. 

Meanwhile, the European Union has discussed ending clock changes altogether, but for now, Ireland still takes part. So, we’ll continue to gain and lose an hour for a little while longer!

The Positives

It’s easy to focus on the hassle of changing your clocks each year, but there are actually plenty of positives to look forward to: 

  • Brighter mornings – ideal for early risers. 
  • Cosier evenings – perfect for lighting a fire and slowing down after a long day. 
  • A healthier routine – that extra hour of sleep when the clocks go back can do wonders for your energy and mood. 

In October, the clock change marks the start of the WillowWarm season, when homes glow brighter, nights get longer, and everyone craves a bit more comfort.

Daylight Saving Time Clock Changes - In October, when the days feel shorter, brighten them up with the comfort of a WillowWarm fire.

How to Avoid the Classic ‘Wrong-Time Wake-Up’ 

Every March and October, WhatsApp groups fill with confessions like “I showed up to brunch an hour early” or “my oven still thinks it’s summer.” Here’s how to stay one step ahead: 

  • Update manual clocks before bed – phones and smart devices will sort themselves out. 
  • Enjoy the extra hour when they go back – slow mornings are the best kind of mornings. 

No matter what the clock says, it’s always the right time for comfort and warmth.  

Stock up on WillowWarm briquettes today.

Spend Less in 2026 – Ways to Save Money in January

January is the perfect time to reset your spending habits and embrace a more sustainable lifestyle. Here is our list of 8 practical ways to help you spend less in 2026 while reducing waste and energy use. 

 

  1. Sell Unused Belongings

Start the year off by decluttering and turning forgotten items into cash. Check your wardrobe, shelves, and storage spaces for things you no longer use, as well as any unwanted Christmas gifts, electronics, books, or even old CDs. 

Second-hand selling platforms such as Depop and Vinted are great for fashion, while eBay and Gumtree work for almost anything else. Not only will you boost your bank balance, but you’ll also give these items a second life, keeping them out of landfill and supporting a circular economy.  

 

  1. Insulate Your Home for Long-Term Savings

Energy efficiency is a win-win: it saves money and reduces your carbon footprint. Simple actions like turning off unused appliances, switching to energy-efficient bulbs, and lowering your thermostat can make a big difference. 

Did you know that turning your thermostat down by just 1°C can save around €80 a year? Layer up indoors, seal draughts, and consider upgrades like: 

  • LED bulbs (use 90% less electricity and last 10x longer) 
  • Draught-proofing doors and windows 
  • Air-drying clothes instead of using a tumble dryer (saves €40+ annually) 
  • Burn carbon-neutral fuel in an ecodesign stove instead of burning traditional solid fuels.

Almost all appliances can be turned off at the plug without affecting their settings. A smart plug or standby saver makes this easy and cuts unnecessary energy use. 

 

  1. Bulk Shopping & Meal Prep

Plan ahead and buy in bulk to reduce costs and packaging waste. Cooking at home is not only cheaper than takeaways but also more sustainable. Try batch-cooking hearty meals and freezing portions, less food waste, less temptation to overspend. 

 

  1. Celebrate at Home

Swap expensive nights out for cosy nights in. Host a movie marathon, cook a delicious meal, or enjoy a roaring WillowWarm fire with friends. 

 

  1. Review Your Subscriptions

Streaming services, gym memberships, and magazine subscriptions can quietly drain your budget. Have a look through your monthly subscriptions and cancel anything you don’t need. 

 

  1. Use Loyalty Schemes

Sign up for free loyalty programs like Tesco Clubcard or Sainsbury’s Nectar. These schemes offer discounts, cashback, and vouchers, such easy wins for regular shoppers. 

 

  1. Choose Greener Transport

Fuel, parking, and maintenance costs add up fast. Opt for public transport, cycling, or carpooling to save money and reduce emissions. Many employers offer TaxSaver tickets or Bike to Work schemes, so check what’s available at your work. 

 

  1. Simple Everyday Swaps

  • Use refillable water bottles instead of buying drinks. 
  • Dry clothes on a clothesline instead of using a tumble dryer. 
  • Wash clothes at 30°C and only with full loads to save energy. 

 

Small changes add up, both for your wallet and the planet. These tips aren’t just about cutting back costs; they’re also about living more sustainably. 

Here at WillowWarm, we believe in reducing waste, conserving energy, and making choices that benefit both your home and the environment. Head into 2026 with smarter habits and enjoy the warmth of a more sustainable lifestyle. 

Stock up on WillowWarm carbon-neutral briquettes for a guilt-free fire this winter.  

WillowWarm Are Hiring

Are you looking to make a move?

We are hiring a General Operative.

APPLY HERE THROUGH JOBS.IE

WillowWarm Factory

WillowWarm and Shamrock Renewable Products Limited is currently seeking a General Operative to join our Packaging Team at our Shamrock facility in Balrath, County Meath. This is a hands on role in a busy production environment, reporting to the Shift Lead.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Working in the packaging area to pack, label and prepare products for dispatch
  • Operating basic packaging equipment (training provided)
  • Carrying out quality checks to ensure products meet company standards
  • Supporting shift activities, including 12-hour day and night shifts
  • Maintaining a clean, safe and organised packaging area
  • Following all site safety, quality and hygiene procedures
  • Adhering to site traffic management and environmental policies
  • Supporting other general operative duties as required

WillowWarm Briquette

Requirements:

  • Previous experience in a packaging or production environment is an advantage
  • Experience working shift work preferred
  • Ability to work well as part of a team
  • Good communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Strong attention to detail and quality
  • Reliable, punctual and safety-conscious
  • Willingness to learn and take instruction

What We Offer:

  • Full time, permanent position
  • Shift based role (12-hour day and night shifts)
  • Salary negotiable depending on experience (DOE)
  • Full training provided
  • Opportunity to work with a growing renewable products company

APPLY HERE THROUGH JOBS.IE

Please note that due to the high volume of applicants, not every application will receive a response.