Around 80,000 people are taking part in Darkness Into Light events across Ireland and internationally today, joining early morning walks and activities aimed at raising funds for suicide prevention charity Pieta.
The annual fundraiser features 170 organised events, with most taking place across Ireland and others held in cities around the world. The first walk of the day began at Bondi Beach in Australia, while the final event is set to take place later in Vancouver, reflecting the global reach the initiative has built over the years.
In Dublin, approximately 10,000 participants gathered in the Phoenix Park for the largest single event of the morning. Starting before sunrise, walkers and runners completed a 5-kilometre route in what has become one of the most recognisable elements of the campaign. Alongside traditional walks, this year’s programme also includes alternative fundraising activities such as sailing and kayaking events.
Organisers expect the 2026 edition of Darkness Into Light to raise between €3 million and €4 million for Pieta, which provides suicide intervention, self-harm prevention, and bereavement support services across Ireland.
The initiative began in 2009 with a modest early morning walk in Phoenix Park involving around 400 people. Since then, it has expanded into a major international fundraising event, drawing tens of thousands of participants annually and spreading across multiple continents.
Over the years, Darkness Into Light has raised more than €40 million to support people affected by suicide and self-harm. The growth of the event has been driven by community participation, with families, friends, and organisations coming together in the early hours to show solidarity and remembrance.
Participants typically begin walking in darkness before sunrise, symbolising a journey from despair toward hope. The arrival of daylight marks a central theme of the event, reinforcing its message of support and awareness around mental health challenges.
Local organisers and volunteers have played a key role in coordinating events across towns and cities, ensuring routes are safe and accessible for participants of all ages.
This year’s turnout once again highlights the continued public engagement with mental health awareness and the ongoing demand for support services provided by Pieta.
