Ireland's "monsoon" summer has prompted the Catholic Church to issue one of its strongest safety warnings to 30,000 people who are expected to undertake the annual pilgrimage to the summit of Croagh Patrick, Co Mayo, on Sunday.
Intending climbers are being urged to bring warm clothing, strong footwear, a stick and water to cope with the treacherous underfoot conditions and probable downpours on Ireland's holy mountain.
Mayo Mountain Rescue has also urged pilgrims to be cautious, saying parts of the pilgrimage path are more hazardous than usual as minor landslides have made some sections of the route difficult to negotiate.
Although the more devout pilgrims will be allowed to climb the mountain in their bare feet, as is their custom, Wellington boots, stiletto shoes and football boots will not be allowed on the slopes.
Sunday's pilgrimage will be led by the Archbishop of Tuam, Dr Michael Neary. He will be accompanied by Fr Michael Mannion and Fr Francis Mitchell of Westport.
The archbishop will start the pilgrimage from the car park in Murrisk village at 7am. He will celebrate Mass at the summit at 10.30am
The annual pilgrimage, described as combining "faith with fun", has taken place for more than 1,500 years, with over 100,000 people now climbing Croagh Patrick throughout the year, including the 30,000 expected this weekend.
The mountain has been traditionally associated with St Patrick who, in 441, is said to have spent 40 days and nights fasting on the summit.
The name "Reek Sunday" comes from St Patrick's ability to Christianise many pagan customs, including the Celtic festival of Lúghnasa which previously announced a start to the harvest festival and honoured the ancient pagan god Lúgh.This festival's tradition was absorbed into the new Christian beliefs, and locally become known as Domhnach na Cruaiche (Reek Sunday).
Reek Sunday 2005 marked the centenary of the oratory on the summit of Croagh Patrick, and was marked by the unveiling of a plaque there.
For Reek Sunday 2006, Archbishop Neary was accompanied on the climb by the Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All-Ireland, Dr Seán Brady. As successor to St Patrick, Dr Brady is believed to have been the first Archbishop of Armagh to climb the mountain since St Patrick.
On Sunday, Mass will be celebrated on the summit every half an hour from 8am to 2pm, with a Mass in Irish at 10am. Confession will be available on the summit on Sunday from 7.30am to 2pm.
Further information on Croagh Patrick, and a virtual tour of the mountain, can be viewed on the website of the Tuam archdiocese at www.tuamarchdiocese.org