The majority were walking, with the goal of collecting money for Pieta, a nonprofit that prevents suicide and self-harm.

Events celebrating the transition from darkness to light began shortly after 4 a.m., with one of the largest taking place in Dublin's Phoenix Park when some 10,000 participants completed a 5-kilometer walk before dawn.

Out of 180 walks, 51 new ones were held in Ireland this year.

According to Stephanie Manahan, CEO of Pieta, Darkness into Light events facilitate conversation about mental health and bring people together.

In Phoenix Park, she stated that “there is nothing in Ireland these days that brings people together in the middle of the night and to gather in such numbers and in such solidarity and such community with one another, as Darkness into Light.”

Ms. Manahan continued: “The occasion lessens the stigma associated with self-harm and suicide by increasing awareness of mental health issues.”

She stated that over 87% of the charity's income originates from events like Darkness into Light and that all donations raised go towards frontline services.

More than 230 official walks across four continents were reported to be attended by about 100,000 participants in the Darkness into Light activities that were also staged in 14 additional countries.

Pieta reports that it visited 7,000 clients nationwide last year, gave around 52,000 hours of treatment, and received 100,000 calls and messages to its crisis hotline.

All proceeds from the activities will go towards frontline services.