Darkness Into Light 2026 will return on the morning of Saturday, 9th of May, 2026 at 4:15am, bringing thousands of people across Ireland together for a 5km sunrise walk in support of Pieta.
The event remains Pieta’s biggest annual fundraiser, with the charity relying heavily on public donations, as it is 80% funded by fundraising.
Since its beginnings in 2009, Darkness Into Light has grown into a nationwide movement of hope, remembrance and solidarity, now involving over 80,000 participants each year across Ireland and beyond.
With more than 150 official walks nationwide, communities across the country will once again gather in the early hours to walk together as dawn breaks, symbolising hope for those affected by suicide and self-harm.
Pieta provides free, lifesaving services to people in crisis, and funds raised through Darkness Into Light directly support these services in communities across Ireland.
Find out the location closest to you on the Darkness Into Light website.
This event is proudly supported by Electric Ireland.
The Darkness Into Light walk will take place in 26 locations in County Cork, including Bantry, Cobh, Kinsale, Mallow, and more...
6 locations have been picked up for this annual event in County Clare: Ennis, Killaloe, Kilmihil, Newmarket on Fergus, Shannon and Whitegate.
In County Galway, 17 walks will take place. Locations include Dunmore, Oranmore, Menlough, Galway City...
Limerick County will be hosting 3 Darnkess Into Light walks in Cappamore, Kilmallock and Limerick City.
Dublin County will see 11 Darnkess Into Light walks take place in Balbriggan, Cabinteely Athletic Club, Clontarf, DCU Campus, Donabate, Lucan, Malahide Castle, Marlay Park, Phoenix Park, Swords and Tymon Park.
Across the country, Darkness Into Light continues to grow as both a fundraising initiative and a powerful symbol of hope. Once registered, participants automatically receive a fundraising page, although fundraising itself is optional.
Whether through the official 5km walk or alternative efforts such as sunrise swims, hikes, coffee mornings or school fundraisers, every contribution plays a role in supporting Pieta’s work. With each step taken at dawn, communities across Ireland continue to help turn Darkness Into Light for those who need it most.
Find out the location closest to you on the Darkness Into Light website.
