Darkness into Light 2025: guide to official walks across Donegal

The annual Darkness into Light charity fundraiser for Pieta will take place on Saturday May 11.

Darkness into Light supports the important work of Pieta, a charity dedicated to supporting those impacted by suicide and self-harm.

This year’s Darkness into Light, proudly supported by Electric Ireland, will take place at 4.15am in over 200 locations across Ireland. This inspiring event symbolises hope, as communities come together to support mental health and prevent suicide.

Official Darkness into Light walks will take place in 13 different locations across Donegal this year.

Below is a guide to all the starting points for each official Darkness into Light walk across Donegal:

Ballybofey/Stranorlar, Finn Valley Centre, Millbrae, Stranorlar, F93 NV0T

Buncrana, Scoil Mhuire, Saint Oran's Road, Buncrana, F93 PN53

Bundoran, Bundoran Community Centre, Main Street, Bundoran, F94 RH33

Burtonport, Burtonport Community Centre, Lackenagh, Burtonport, F94VW95

Carndonagh, Spraoi agus Sport Unit 7 -Unit 9 - Unit 10 Supervalu Carndonagh, F93 EWV3

Carrick, Carrick Community Hall, An Charraig, F94 RY91

Carrigart, Donegal Boardwalk Resort, Cuan Na Rí­, Carrigart

Donegal Town, St John Bosco Community Centre, Railway Park

Greencastle, Scoil Cholmcille, Eleven Ballyboes, Greencastle, F93 E890

Gweedore, The Gweedore Theatre, Factory Road, Derrybeg, F92 A718

Letterkenny, ATU Donegal, Port Road, Letterkenny, F92FC93

Narin/ Portnoo, Dolemen Eco Centre, Kilcooney Beg, Portnoo, F94 DN83 

Rathmullan, Beach Car Park

There are many ways to get involved. Join an official Darkness Into Light walk or create your own DIL fundraiser—whether it’s a bake sale, a car wash, a sponsored silence, a run, or a swim. Rally your family, friends, and colleagues in your local area to make a difference.

'We need to start having open, honest conversations about suicide and self-harm'

Stephanie Manahan, Chief Executive of Pieta, the suicide and self-harm prevention charity, writes about why it remains vitally important to talk openly, support one another, and remember what’s at the heart of Darkness Into Light.

She writes: “It’s never been more important for communities across Donegal to support Darkness into Light as thousands are impacted by suicide in Ireland each year. In 2024, Pieta provided 1826 free therapy hours to clients in Donegal as well as hundreds more across the country. Each year in Ireland, around 500 people die by suicide. One in five of us will experience suicidal thoughts at some point in our lives. These aren’t just numbers - behind each statistic is a son or daughter, a friend, a grandparent, a colleague. 

“Each life lost leaves behind a trail of grief and unanswered questions for families and communities. And the most painful truth of all? So many of these deaths could be prevented.

“It's time to end the silence. We need to start having open, honest conversations about suicide and self-harm. Not just within families or friend groups, but across the entire fabric of society - from schools and workplaces to boardrooms and the halls of government.

“On May 10, Darkness Into Light returns for its sixteenth year. It remains not only Pieta’s largest fundraising event but also a powerful symbol of hope - a shared statement that we are willing to walk through the dark together, into light. Yet the darkness persists: suicide rates remain stubbornly high, and the demand for mental health support is growing.

“The reality is stark. Almost 60% of those who access Pieta’s services are under 25.

“The reasons someone may feel suicidal or engage in self-harm are complex and deeply personal, but there are common threads. Young people today face pressure academically, socially, and emotionally. The always-on nature of social media can distort self-image and amplify feelings of inadequacy. Many face bullying or exclusion, both online and offline. Others struggle with anxiety about the future - climate change, job insecurity, the housing crisis. For some, it’s the weight of trauma, abuse, identity struggles, or simply the feeling that they don’t belong. Access to timely mental health care remains inconsistent, and stigma still prevents many from reaching out before things become overwhelming.

“Suicide is the leading cause of death among people aged 15 to 34 in Ireland. In 2021, 133 young men in this age bracket died by suicide - along with 39 young women. For a country as small as ours, these are not just shocking figures; they are a national crisis.

“Pieta is doing everything it can to meet this crisis head-on. In 2024 alone, we delivered over 51,000 hours of intervention and bereavement counselling and responded to more than 100,000 crisis calls and texts via our 24/7 helpline. But we are an organisation under pressure. The need far outweighs the resources.

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“Almost 85% of Pieta’s funding comes from community donations and public fundraising - and we are deeply grateful for every euro raised. 

“If we truly want to turn the tide on suicide, we need a whole-of-society approach. We need compassion, courage, and commitment - from communities, from businesses, from schools, and from our leaders. Let’s walk together. Let’s talk openly. Let’s ensure that no one feels they have to face their darkest moments alone.”

You can sign up for a Darkness into Light walk in your locality by visiting the Sign Up section on the Darkness into Light website.