Knock

Knock is a destination in Connaught, Ireland.

Knock (An Cnoc) is a village in County Mayo, famous as a major Catholic pilgrimage site since the apparition of the Virgin Mary there in 1879. The Knock Shrine complex includes a basilica, a museum, and accommodation for pilgrims, drawing over a million visitors annually. Knock International Airport serves the west of Ireland with flights to UK and European destinations.

The most practical way to reach Knock is by car, with good road connections from the surrounding area. Regional bus services may also serve the town, though schedules can be limited on weekends. The nearest airport is typically Shannon (SNN) or Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC), depending on the specific location.

Knock is compact enough to explore on foot. For exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions, a car or bicycle is recommended.

Knock Shrine or "Sanctuary of Our Lady of Knock" is the pilgrimage complex, open daily 8AM-9:30PM, free. Multiple access points but from the west along Main St, you come immediately to the old church where the vision was seen. This is now the Apparition Chapel and the Parish Church. Facing is the big boxy Basilica of 1979, floodlit at night. Behind this are the graves of Monsignor Horan and other notables, while on its north side is St John's Rest Centre. This is a general meeting area, cafe and reception point for disabled visitors, and the first aid post for frail pilgrims, many of who have struggled against serious illness to be here.

Knock Museum south side of the complex is open daily 10AM-5PM.

Golf courses are at Claremorris , Balla (par 3) to the west, Swinford north and Ballyhaunis .

Studio Theatre is in Claremorris town hall.

Claremorris Leisure Centre has a pool and is open daily.

Forde's in Knock has good filling trad food, daily 8AM-9PM.

Bowes Ryan Cafe is open M-F 10AM-5PM, Sa Su 10AM-6PM.

Claremorris has The Old Arch , Araby Coffee House, Dawat , Alisan Oriental , Olive's Seoul Food and La Casa Tapas .

Ballyhaunis has Nico Café, Sandros and Bridge Restaurant .

Carty's Bar north of Knock crossroads is open M-Sa 5-11:30PM, Su 2-11PM.

Claremorris has Gilligan's Bar, Warde's, PJ Byrne's, Shamrock Bar, O'Briens, CJ's Ranch and Killeens.

Ballyhaunis has Curley's, Paddy's, Mac Siurtain's, The Clock and Val's.

Swinford has Horkan's, Sheepwalk Bar, Boland's, Mellett's Emporium and The White House.

The International across the road from the shrine has 4-bed dorms for groups plus private double rooms.

Knock House Hotel ,

Ballyhaunis Rd, Knock F12 6Y5 ,

☏

+353 94 938 8088 .

Clean comfy hotel by the basilica.

B&B double €170 .   ( updated Feb 2026 )

Jordan's Drum Haven B&B is by the hotel on Ballyhaunis Rd.

Cara B&B is on Kiltimagh Rd by the crossroads.

Carramore House is a B&B on Old Airport Rd.

Divine Mercy B&B is another 200 m north along Old Airport Rd.

Rockfield Manor is a B&B a mile south of town.

Claremorris has McWilliam Park Hotel , Dalton Inn and Western Hotel.

Ballyhaunis has Seven Oaks B&B.

Swinford has Gateway Hotel (below) and Deer Park Manor B&B

Gateway Hotel ,

Main St, Swinford F12 K7F4

( 10 km west of airport ),

☏

+353 94 925 2156 .

Reliable comfy hotel in Swinford.

B&B double €150 .   ( updated Feb 2026 )

Connect

As of Feb 2026, Knock and its approach roads have 4G from Vodafone, and 5G from Eir and Three.

Wall-to-wall religious stalls and shops line the main route to the shrine.

Centra at Knock village crossroads is open daily 7:30AM-10PM.

Claremorris to the south has a Tesco and Aldi.

Aleppo Authentic Foods in Ballyhaunis is the only place in Mayo where you're likely to find Arabic ingredients. They're open daily and mail orders.

Tuam and Athenry to the south are in the lowland, pastoral part of County Galway, with many early religious remains.

Cong southwest was the picturesque village location for filming The Quiet Man .

Castlebar west is Mayo's main town; continue west to Westport for scenic Clew Bay and the pilgrimage mountain of Croagh Patrick.

Ballymote and Sligo northwest have prehistoric sites and dramatic limestone scarps.

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