The beginning of the 'Grand Stretch In The Evenings'

Sunset this evening was at 4:06pm (Dublin) and 4.21pm (Clifden), approximately 5 seconds later than yesterday (Monday). 

The grand stretch in the evening comments may begin in earnest. However......the sun will continue to rise later each morning until January 1st/2nd.

The Winter Solstice takes place next Monday (21 December) at 10.02am. This astronomical phenomenon marks the shortest day and the longest night of the year. It occurs when one of the earth's poles has its maximum slant away from the sun.