The annual pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick has been cancelled for 2020 due to the pandemic.
Organisers have announced with a "heavy heart" that the Reek Sunday event in Co Mayo will not go ahead this year.
Concern over visitor numbers and adherence to public health measures have been cited as the main factors behind the decision to call off the pilgrimage, which was due to take place on Sunday, July 26.
The Reek Sunday Organising Forum issued a statement, saying: "It is with a heavy heart that in light of very strong public health advice, which we fully take on board and adhere to, both for the health and protection of our own local community and that of those who may travel from other parts of the country, the annual pilgrimage for 2020 has been cancelled.
“Following wide ranging consultation with all of the partners in Reek Sunday mentioned above, as well as An Garda Síochána and Mayo County Council, who are also closely involved in the planning and execution of the pilgrimage, it became clear immediately that we would not be logistically in a position to proceed with Reek Sunday this year.
“Many of the volunteer stewards who know the terrain and the routine are themselves cocooning.
"The logistics of members of the public or volunteer emergency services coming to the assistance of someone who had fallen would create unnecessary public health risk.
"It was furthermore confirmed to us by a consultant in public health medicine that Reek Sunday fell outside the criteria laid out in the roadmap for reopening the country.
"The public health advice is clear and we absolutely abide by it."
Thousands of people take part every year in honour of Saint Patrick who spent 40 days fasting on the mountain in 441.
It is the second time in recent years the pilgrimage has been cancelled, after torrential rain forced the 2015 event not to go ahead on short notice.
