Darkness into Light – Portlaoise - April 8th, 2026

Darkness Into Light Portlaoise 2026: Join Us for a Powerful Community Event

Darkness Into Light Portlaoise has become a growing, inspiring community event over the past three years. Supported by the Irish Prison Service, this event has brought together thousands in support of suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Last year, approximately 1,300 people joined our walk, making it a truly remarkable occasion.

On Tuesday, March 31st, we officially launched this year’s Darkness Into Light Portlaoise. The event will take place on Saturday, May 9th, starting and finishing at the Irish Prison Service Training College. Darkness Into Light is an annual 5km walk/run held just before dawn (usually starting at 4:15 a.m.) to raise crucial funds for Pieta, a charity that provides free suicide prevention and mental health services across Ireland.

 

Walking from Darkness Into Light
The symbolic walk begins in darkness and ends at sunrise, representing the journey from despair to hope. It’s Pieta’s largest fundraiser and stands as a vital show of solidarity for those impacted by suicide and self-harm. By participating, you help keep Pieta’s services free, including one-to-one therapy and 24/7 crisis helplines.

The event also creates a supportive space for those bereaved by suicide. Participants are encouraged to share a special “sunrise moment” together, sparking conversations that help break the stigma around mental health.

 

Route and Community Involvement
The 5km route will begin at the Irish Prison Service College, proceed along Dublin Road, Collier’s Lane, Chestnut Grove, Borris Road, returning via Dublin Road, and finishing back at the College where light refreshments will be served. We invite residents along the route to light up their gardens in support of the walkers and this important cause.

 

Get Involved
You can register for the official event on the Darkness Into Light website. Join us to make a difference.

 

Darkness into Light - Portlaoise

Darkness into Light – Portlaoise - April 8th, 2026

Darkness into Light - Portlaoise

Darkness Into Light Portlaoise 2026: Join Us for a Powerful Community Event

Darkness Into Light Portlaoise has become a growing, inspiring community event over the past three years. Supported by the Irish Prison Service, this event has brought together thousands in support of suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Last year, approximately 1,300 people joined our walk, making it a truly remarkable occasion.

On Tuesday, March 31st, we officially launched this year’s Darkness Into Light Portlaoise. The event will take place on Saturday, May 9th, starting and finishing at the Irish Prison Service Training College. Darkness Into Light is an annual 5km walk/run held just before dawn (usually starting at 4:15 a.m.) to raise crucial funds for Pieta, a charity that provides free suicide prevention and mental health services across Ireland.

 

Walking from Darkness Into Light
The symbolic walk begins in darkness and ends at sunrise, representing the journey from despair to hope. It’s Pieta’s largest fundraiser and stands as a vital show of solidarity for those impacted by suicide and self-harm. By participating, you help keep Pieta’s services free, including one-to-one therapy and 24/7 crisis helplines.

The event also creates a supportive space for those bereaved by suicide. Participants are encouraged to share a special “sunrise moment” together, sparking conversations that help break the stigma around mental health.

 

Route and Community Involvement
The 5km route will begin at the Irish Prison Service College, proceed along Dublin Road, Collier’s Lane, Chestnut Grove, Borris Road, returning via Dublin Road, and finishing back at the College where light refreshments will be served. We invite residents along the route to light up their gardens in support of the walkers and this important cause.

 

Get Involved
You can register for the official event on the Darkness Into Light website. Join us to make a difference.

 

Darkness into Light – Portlaoise - April 8th, 2026

Darkness into Light - Portlaoise

Darkness Into Light Portlaoise 2026: Join Us for a Powerful Community Event

Darkness Into Light Portlaoise has become a growing, inspiring community event over the past three years. Supported by the Irish Prison Service, this event has brought together thousands in support of suicide prevention and mental health awareness. Last year, approximately 1,300 people joined our walk, making it a truly remarkable occasion.

On Tuesday, March 31st, we officially launched this year’s Darkness Into Light Portlaoise. The event will take place on Saturday, May 9th, starting and finishing at the Irish Prison Service Training College. Darkness Into Light is an annual 5km walk/run held just before dawn (usually starting at 4:15 a.m.) to raise crucial funds for Pieta, a charity that provides free suicide prevention and mental health services across Ireland.

 

Walking from Darkness Into Light
The symbolic walk begins in darkness and ends at sunrise, representing the journey from despair to hope. It’s Pieta’s largest fundraiser and stands as a vital show of solidarity for those impacted by suicide and self-harm. By participating, you help keep Pieta’s services free, including one-to-one therapy and 24/7 crisis helplines.

The event also creates a supportive space for those bereaved by suicide. Participants are encouraged to share a special “sunrise moment” together, sparking conversations that help break the stigma around mental health.

 

Route and Community Involvement
The 5km route will begin at the Irish Prison Service College, proceed along Dublin Road, Collier’s Lane, Chestnut Grove, Borris Road, returning via Dublin Road, and finishing back at the College where light refreshments will be served. We invite residents along the route to light up their gardens in support of the walkers and this important cause.

 

Get Involved
You can register for the official event on the Darkness Into Light website. Join us to make a difference.