Local Circle K stores offer free coffee to Darkness Into Light participants

The two Circle K stores in Athlone are offering free tea and coffee to people taking part in this weekend's Pieta Darkness Into Light walk.

As part of a nationwide offer by Circle K to all Darkness Into Light participants, the stores on the Dublin Road, Athlone (beside KFC and the M6 service station), as well as Circle K Express, Roscommon Road (Mulligan's) are taking part in the offer.

Tea and coffee, including iced coffee, will be freely available to all walkers from 5am to 8am on Saturday, May 9. Customers are invited to simply mention 'Darkness Into Light' at the till to receive a complimentary drink.

As the official coffee partner of Darkness Into Light 2026, Circle K is supporting the tens of thousands of people who will take part in the early morning walk, coming together in hope, remembrance and solidarity with those impacted by suicide and self-harm.

Darkness Into Light, supported by Electric Ireland, is one of Ireland’s largest and most impactful fundraising initiatives. Last year, 80,000 people across 200 walks raised €4 million to support Pieta’s free, life-saving services. This year, more than 100,000 people are expected to take part in more than 150 locations nationwide.

Pieta continues to provide critical support to those who need it most, responding to over 100,000 crisis calls and texts last year. Importantly, every 2km walked can help fund one life-saving call to Pieta’s crisis helpline, meaning every step taken by participants has a direct impact.

Gillian McGowran, Market Development Director, at Circle K Ireland said: “At Circle K, we are proud to stand with Pieta as both a charity partner and official coffee partner of Darkness Into Light. By offering free tea and coffee to participants, we want to support and thank the incredible communities coming together this Saturday. In the lead-up to the event, we are also encouraging customers nationwide to add a €1 donation at the till, helping to directly support Pieta’s vital, life-saving services. Together, we can help shine a light in the darkness while supporting the vital work Pieta delivers every day.”

Stephanie Manahan, CEO at Pieta said:“We are incredibly grateful to Circle K for their continued support and for helping to create such a warm and welcoming moment for participants on the morning of the walk. Every person who takes part is helping to ensure that Pieta’s free suicide and self-harm prevention services remain available to those who need them most. If you haven’t already registered, there is still time to do so and join your local walk at darknessintolight.ie and be part of something truly meaningful.”