BikeFest Killarney will not go ahead this year as a result of COVID-19 led event restrictions.

Organisers were preparing for the 14th edition of the event which was scheduled from May 29 to June 1 when they took the reluctant decision to can this year’s festival.

“It would have been unwise for us to go ahead with an event of this scale in May,” said a statement issued by the organisers. “We are heartbroken and apologise for any inconvenience caused.”

They have already earmarked the weekend of June 4 to 7, 2021 for the next year’s festival.

BikeFest is one of Europe’s premier free open motorcycle festivals, and the three-day motorcycle and music extravaganza takes place across Ireland’s June Bank Holiday weekend each year.

The real attraction of this fiesta is the craic, goodwill and convivial atmosphere for all. Parades, ride-outs, static displays and exhibitions form the centrepiece of the popular festival.

It caters for bikers, non-bikers and even aspiring bikers, visitors, tourists, families and locals.

It is based at the Gleneagle Hotel and INEC where a temporary Bike Village is constructed each year.

In excess of 55,000 visitors passed through the Bike Village last year with motorcycle owners and enthusiasts from over 20 countries including Ireland, UK, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Poland, Denmark, Norway, Switzerland, the Netherlands, South Africa, Romania, Lithuania, Latvia, The Czech Republic, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, India, and the United States.