Across Laois this weekend, dozens of Laois towns and villages will take part in the annual Darkness into Light charity walk for Pieta House.

Darkness Into Light (DIL) 2025, supported by Electric Ireland, will take place as dawn breaks across the world on Saturday, May 10.

Two of the official walks will take place in Portlaoise and Portarlington, with community organised walks taking place across the county. 

Laois locals are advised to bring high visibility clothing and to register online beforehand.

See the full list of Darkness into Light walks below:

PORTLAOISE

The walk is starting at 4:15am by The Irish Prison Service College, Dublin Rd, Portlaoise (just beside The Midlands Prison).

Organisers have asked participants to carpool if possible, with assistance given with parking. All are invited to take part.

PORTARLINGTON

This year's Portarlington Darkness into Light walk will take place on May 10 at Portarlington GAA Center. It is the same 5km route as previous years.

Organisers invite people to register now by logging on to www.darknessintolight.com

CASTLETOWN

Castletown Darkness into Light walk will begin at 4:15am on Saturday, with attendees asked to gather 10-15 minutes before.

It will begin at Castletown GAA club and will consist of a 5km walk. All are invited to join.

Pictured: The Darkness Into Light 2024 message of Hope, as created by Coláiste Iosagáin students.

KILLENARD

Join us this Saturday, 10th May, at 4:00 AM for Darkness Into Light with the Health Club at The Heritage.

The walk will commence at 4:15 AM, starting at the entrance to our 5KM Walking Track, followed by teas, coffees, pasteries & more on the Terrace.

COURTWOOD

Courtwood GAA will be holding their Darkness into Light 5k walk from their clubhouse @ 4:15am down towards Courtwood stores via the road, and back up along the peaceful banks of the canal and finishing back at Courtwood GAA grounds.

The walk is starting at 4:15 am sharp on Saturday May 10. There will be tea and coffee afterwards in the clubhouse.

RATHDOWNEY

Participants are invited to meet up at The Gym Rathdowney at 4:15am, with the walk to begin at approximately 4:30am.

The walk will consist of a 5km loop around Bealady. Coffee to a Tea will be providing refreshments after the walk.

RATHENISKA

Participants are invited to meet at Ratheniska GAA pitch on Saturday May 10 at 4am, with the walk to begin at 4:15.

TIMAHOE

A walk will take place in Timahoe village, in line and in time with The Darkness Into Light walk for 2025 on Saturday, May 10.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to Pieta House, or alternatively you can donate online directly.

Just like last year, the group will meet at the green for 4.15am, with walk starting at 4.30am. Please ensure to bring a high vis vest & headlamp.

The Tower Inn will kindly host walkers on return to the village for tea and coffee. If anyone would like to donate some baked goods or treats it would be greatly appreciated.

EMO

Join Emo Gaa for Darkness into Light 2025. Meeting at Emo Gaa field at 4.15am.

Pictured: Michelle Doheny, Saralee Murphy, Anna Brophy and Marie Brophy at Durrow Darkness Into Light 2024

Durrow recently made the sad announcement that they will not be running their Darkness into Light Walk this year.

Entry to the walk is €22 for adults, €5 for teens, and free to under 13s (accompanied). Supporters can also help by buying their eyecatching yellow t-shirts or other items in the online shop.

Pieta is 85% funded by fundraising events like DIL. Since the first walk in 2009 in the Phoenix Park Dublin, its supporters have helped Pieta raise over €36 million, to provide services to people impacted by suicide and self-harm.

Read also: No more Durrow Scarecrow Festival but new Hollywood fundraiser in the works.

Last year DIL helped to fund nearly 51,500 hours of professional counselling, free of charge to anyone in need. They have 24 centres across Ireland, with the nearest to Laois being in Roscrea and in Leixlip. 

Read More: Laois town cancels its Darkness Into Light 2025 event