The annual traditional pilgrimage to Lough Derg, near the village of Pettigo, in County Donegal, will not go ahead this summer for the second year.
A statement from the Lough Derg office says public health measures still in place, despite the phased relaxation, do not go far enough at this time to enable Station Island reopen for the safe return of pilgrims.
In a normal season, more than 10,000 pilgrims would make their annual pilgrimage or retreat to the island from today, June 1st, until 15th August.
However, despite no pilgrims this year, prayers will still be said on the island.
The prior of Lough Derg and administrator of Pettigo parish, Fr La Flynn, has moved out to the island from today (Tuesday) and will pray there on behalf of the pilgrims who, during the coming 10 weeks, would normally make their journey by boat to Station Island.
Fr Flynn spoke to Ocean FM News after he arrived there.
