Pieta announces details for 16th annual Darkness Into Light Walk in Kilkenny

Darkness Into Light, Pieta’s biggest fundraising event supported by Electric Ireland, returns to Kilkenny at dawn on Saturday, May 10, aiming to surpass last year’s total of €4.5 million.

This crucial walk funds lifesaving suicide prevention and self-harm services with more than 100,000 participants across 12 countries expected to take part, uniting communities in the most important sunrise of the year. The walk begins in darkness and transitions into light, symbolising the journey from despair to hope.  The local event will be held at James Stephen’s Army Barracks, Kilkenny, R95 D82T on Saturday, May 10 at 3.40am. 

Taking part is as simple as signing up, lacing up your walking shoes, and showing up — whether on your own, with a friend, or even your dog. Every registration directly funds Pieta’s crisis support, therapy sessions, and suicide prevention initiatives, making a real difference to those who need it most. Signing up is simple – head to darknessintolight.ie where you can select your county and local walk, buy your ticket, set yourself a fundraising target, and get ready to show up and save lives!  

If you sign up before Wednesday, April 30, you’ll be able to purchase one of the brand new official 2025 Darkness Into Light T-shirts and receive it ahead of the walk.  

"The funds we raise each year through Darkness Into Light are essential in sustaining Pieta’s free, professional, and accessible support services," said Pieta Chief Executive, Stephanie Manahan.

"Every lifesaving conversation, every lifesaving counselling session, and every moment of suicide and self-harm prevention we provide is made possible by the generosity of those who sign up, show up, and walk. We are deeply grateful for the incredible commitment of our supporters and our sponsor, Electric Ireland, whose efforts help us provide hope and vital support to those who need it most."   
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Launched today by Leinster Ambassador Hannah Tyrell, this year’s walk encourages the public to sign up and support Pieta’s biggest fundraiser. In 2024 alone, Pieta delivered 12,890 hours of therapy and assisted 1,777 people in Leinster, highlighting the ongoing need for public support. Darkness Into Light remains a vital source of funding, with over 87% of Pieta’s annual income generated through public donations. These funds directly support the charity’s team of over 250 professional therapists, Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officers, and support staff across Leinster and beyond.  

The €22 sign up fee for adults and €5 fee for teens attending Darkness Into Light can enable Pieta to receive two calls to their 24/7 crisis helpline, providing immediate support and guidance to those in crisis. Pieta and Electric Ireland urge people to sign up at darknessintolight.ie, reminding communities across the country that their participation directly supports essential therapy and support services for those affected by suicide and self-harm.  

Sign up today at darknessintolight.ie