IN 2009, in the Phoenix Park in Dublin, 400 people set-off on the inaugural Darkness into Light 5km walk to raise funds for Pieta House. From small beginnings, the movement has grown year on year and in 2018 over 200,000 people took part in 150 locations, in 16 countries and across 5 continents.

Each year the walk provides an opportunity for people to connect with their local community and to show their support for those who have been bereaved by suicide. Since Darkness Into Light began, supporters have helped to raise almost €20 million, which has enabled Pieta House to keep its doors and their 24/7 helpline open for people in crisis, free of charge. Since 2012, when the first international event took place in London, international charity partners have benefited from an investment of €3 million in local mental health support services.

PIETA HOUSE

Founded in Dublin in 2006, Pieta House was established to provide freely accessible one-to-one counselling to people suffering from suicidal ideation, engaging in self-harm or to those bereaved by suicide.

With over 240 qualified therapists in 15 centres and a 24/7 helpline and text service, they do everything they can to ensure that help is available to those in crisis. They have provided counselling to over 44,000 people, with almost 7,500 people coming through their doors in 2018.

The Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service delivers practical and emotional support to bereaved families in their time of crisis, either in their homes or a place of their choice.

Pieta House also provides support to children and adolescents through their Resilience Academy, a six-week programme for secondary schools designed to promote positive mental health.

All their services are provided free of charge. Their 24/7 Suicide Helpline (Ireland only) can be accessed by calling 1800 247 247 or text HELP 51444

SPONSOR

Electric Ireland has supported Darkness into Light since 2013, working with Pieta House to bring hope to communities across Ireland that have been affected by suicide. Marguerite Sayers, executive director ESB, commented on the long term partnership between Electric Ireland and Pieta: “Electric Ireland has proudly supported the Darkness Into Light event for the past seven years and over that time we have worked with Pieta to grow Darkness into Light into the global event it is today. Darkness into Light reminds us all to believe in the power of hope.

“We are looking forward to helping to make this year’s walk the most successful yet.”

VENUES IN IRELAND

Achill

An Cheathrú Rua

Antrim and Newtownabbey

Ardee

Arklow

Arranmore Island

Athlone

Athy

Bailieborough

Ballaghaderreen

Ballina

Ballinamore

Ballinasloe

Ballincollig

Ballygar

Ballymahon

Ballymena

Ballymote

Ballyvolane

Ballyvourney

Baltinglass

Banada

Banagher

Bandon

Bantry

Blarney

Blessington

Boyle

Bray

Buncrana

Bundoran

Cabinteely Athletic Club

Caherdaniel

Cahersiveen

Carlow

Carndonagh

Carrick

Carrick on Suir

Carrick-on-Shannon

Carrigaline

Cashel

Castlebar

Castlerea

Castletownbere

Causeway

Cavan Town

Celbridge

Clare Island

Claremorris

Clifden

Clonakilty

Clonmel

Clontarf

Cobh

Colemanstown

Cookstown

Courtown

Crossmaglen

DCU Campus

Derry City

Dingle

Donegal Town

Doolin

Drogheda

Dromore

Dromore West Village

Dundalk

Dungarvan

Dunleer

Dunmanway

Edenderry

Enfield

Ennis

Enniscorthy

Erris

Fairyhouse (Ratoath)

Falcarragh

Fermoy

Galway City

Glanmire

Glenamaddy

Glenbeigh

Gweedore

Hannahstown

Headford

Inchigeelagh

Inis Meáin

Inis Mór

Inis Oírr

Inishbofin

Inistioge

Inisturk

Kanturk

Kenmare

Kilkenny City

Killaloe/Ballina

Killarney

Kilmallock

Kinsale

Kinvara

Letterkenny

Limerick City

Lisnaskea

Listowel

Longford Town

Loughrea

Maghery

Malahide Castle

Mallow

Marlay Park

Maynooth

Midleton

Miltown Malbay

Mitchelstown

Monaghan Town

Monasterevin

Mountmellick

Moynalty

Mullingar

Murroe

Naas

Navan

Nenagh

New Ross

Newcastle West

Oranmore

Ormeau Park

Oughterard

Phoenix Park

Portumna

Rathdowney

Rathmullen

Ringsend

Roscommon Town

Roscrea

Rostrevor

Schull

Shannon

Sixmilebridge

Skerries

Skibbereen

Sligo Town

Strabane

Swinford

Thurles

Tinahely

Tipperary Town

Tory Island

Tralee

Trim

TU Dublin Grangegorman

Tuam

Tullamore

Tullow

Tymon Park

UCC Cork

UCD Campus

Waterford City

Westport

Wexford Town

Wicklow Town

Youghal

International venues are on the website.

DETAILS

What is the date again?

Saturday, May 11th. Times vary in venues all around the world so check on your venue page for start time. It’s very early on Saturday morning wherever you are.

Who can participate?

Everyone is welcome. However, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Can I register on the morning of the event?

Online registration is open until May 11th. You cannot register in person at the event, so all registrations need to be completed before you depart.

How do I register for Darkness Into Light?

You can register online for any venue using www.darknessintolight.ie Register online by clicking on one of the orange buttons on the homepage of this site. You will then be asked to pick your venue and from one of three registration categories 1) for individuals, families and friends; 2) groups of adults up to 50 people; or 3) for organisations that want to register groups of children and accompanying adults up to 50 people. Once you have completed your registration you will receive an email confirmation.