Pilgrim's guide
Knock - pilgrim's guide
Photos: Geyo John · CC BY-SA 3.0
Knock in County Mayo is Ireland's national shrine, the place of a silent apparition in 1879. This guide is for pilgrims who want to come here for a day or combine the visit with other holy places in the west of Ireland.
Machine-translated guide.
Why go
The apparition at Knock is unique because not a single word was spoken. The witnesses saw Mary, St Joseph and St John the Evangelist, and beside them an altar with the Lamb and a cross. It is an image that leads straight to the Eucharist, which is why Pope Francis named Knock an International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine.
The shrine is also renowned for the sacrament of reconciliation: priests hear confessions here every day from morning to evening. For many pilgrims it is a special place, made dear by John Paul II's visit in 1979 and by the family character of the prayer here.
A short history
On the evening of 21 August 1879, fifteen people from the village, adults and children, saw at the gable of the parish church the figures of Mary, St Joseph and St John, together with an altar with the Lamb before a cross, surrounded by angels. The witnesses knelt for about two hours in pouring rain, praying the Rosary. A commission set up that same year by Archbishop John MacHale judged their testimonies to be trustworthy, and a second commission examined the matter in 1936.
In the 20th century Monsignor James Horan developed the shrine and brought about the building of an airport nearby. In 1976 the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland was consecrated, and John Paul II, visiting Knock in 1979, gave it the title of basilica. Mother Teresa came here in 1993 and Pope Francis in 2018; on 19 March 2021 he declared Knock an International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine.
Getting there
For most international visitors the easiest option is to fly into Dublin, which has the widest choice of connections, and continue west by train or coach. Ireland West Airport Knock is about 20 km from the shrine, but it mainly serves routes to Great Britain and seasonal European destinations, so check the current route network.
- by train: from Dublin Heuston station to Claremorris (Irish Rail), then by Bus Éireann or taxi to Knock
- by coach: long-distance services from Dublin to Claremorris, then change
- by car: Knock is in County Mayo, in the west of Ireland; the shrine has free parking
- by plane: Ireland West Airport Knock, about 20 km from the shrine
When to go
The shrine is open all year round and admission to the grounds is free. Most pilgrims come in summer, especially in August. The weather in the west of Ireland is changeable at any time of year.
- August - the nine-day National Novena with daily Mass, Eucharistic processions and a candlelight Rosary
- 21 August - anniversary of the apparition, closing the novena
- May and October - the Marian months
- the exact dates of the novena and times of services are given on the shrine's website
What to see and experience
- the Apparition Chapel at the gable wall of the parish church, on the site of the 1879 apparition
- the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland
- the Chapel of Reconciliation, where you can go to confession and speak with a priest every day
- the Blessed Sacrament Chapel for adoration
- Knock Museum, telling the story of the apparition and of the shrine's development
- the shrine gardens and grounds with sculptures, which can also be explored with an audio guide
- the stone holy water fonts in front of the Apparition Chapel
Practical information
- times of Masses, confession and museum opening: check the shrine's website
- you can fill your own bottles with holy water, so it is worth bringing some
- on site there is a bookshop with devotional items, a café and a space for children and young people
- the shrine grounds are extensive, with five churches and chapels as well as gardens
- bring a rain jacket, as most places are outdoors
- the Irish Bishops' Pilgrim Passport links Knock with Croagh Patrick and Lough Derg
Accommodation and food
In and around Knock there are B&Bs, guesthouses and hotels, and the nearby towns of County Mayo widen the choice. Many pilgrims come just for the day. The shrine has a café serving simple meals. In August it is worth booking accommodation early.
Tips from pilgrims
- plan at least half a day; just walking round the grounds and chapels takes longer than you might think
- before you set off, check the time of the last bus from Knock to Claremorris
- bring bottles for holy water; many people take some home for their loved ones
- for many, confession at Knock is the high point of the pilgrimage; in August expect to queue
- if you have a car, combine Knock with Croagh Patrick, roughly an hour's drive away
- rain is normal here, but the witnesses of the apparition also prayed in a downpour, so nobody is put off by it
Frequently asked questions
What happened at Knock in 1879?
On 21 August 1879 fifteen people saw at the church wall Mary, St Joseph, St John the Evangelist and an altar with the Lamb and a cross. The apparition lasted about two hours and took place in complete silence.
How do I get to Knock from Dublin?
By train from Heuston station to Claremorris, and from there by bus or taxi to Knock. You can also take a coach to Claremorris or drive across the middle of Ireland.
When is the Knock novena?
The National Novena takes place every year in August and ends on 21 August, the anniversary of the apparition. The shrine publishes the exact dates for each year.
Is there an admission charge at Knock Shrine?
No. Entry to the shrine grounds and parking are free.
Can I take holy water home from Knock?
Yes. There are holy water fonts in front of the Apparition Chapel, and you can fill your own containers.
Which popes have visited Knock?
John Paul II in 1979, for the centenary of the apparition, and Pope Francis in 2018.
