The following information will assist you in planning your time, whether a few hours or a few days, here at Knock Shrine. Please select from the menu below.
Masses are celebrated throughout the day at Knock Shrine, with musical accompaniment by a cantor and organist.
Please see the schedule of daily Mass times and locations here.
The Traditional Station at Knock Shrine
The traditional Stations at Knock Shrine have been undertaken by pilgrims since the earliest days, reflecting the ancient Irish tradition of ‘praying the rounds’ at holy places.
This includes:
Praying the Rosary
A visit to the Blessed Sacrament in any of the Chapels
Following the Stations of the Cross
The Pilgrim’s Guide to Knock Shrine is available to download here
This historic Church was constructed in 1828. Key features in this Church include examples of stained glass windows by Harry Clarke and Harry Clarke studios. The impressive high altar and Pieta scene in the sanctuary were gifted to Knock Shrine in 1880.
Knock Parish Church is open daily from 8am-9pm.
The stunning interior of Knock Basilica can be equally described as aesthetically beautiful and spiritually uplifting.
Key Points Of Interest include:
The Apparition Mosaic is one of the largest of its kind in Europe and is composed of over 1.5 million individual pieces of mosaic glass.
Pilgrimage Windows at the entrance halls represent the physical and spiritual journey of pilgrims to Knock
The Stations of the Cross depict the Passion and death of Jesus to dramatic effect on large stretched linen panels
Ireland’s Ecclesiastical past is represented in reconstructed windows from Irish medieval Churches on each of the radiating walls of the Basilica represent each of the four provinces of Ireland.
Knock Basilica is open daily from 8am to 9pm
The outdoor Stations of the Cross are located in the Shrine grounds adjacent to the Parish Church.
Since the earliest days, pilgrims have contemplated the Way of the Cross as part of their traditional pilgrimage to Knock. The impressive Calvary scene and the outdoor Stations of the Cross offer a quiet, contemplative space in which to pray and reflect. The outdoor Stations have been in place since 1938 and the Calvary scene pre-dates them by approximately 10 years.
The Stations of the Cross were gifted to the Shrine by the Knock Shrine Society and they were formally blessed by the Archbishop of Tuam, Joseph Walsh on Sunday, May 1st 1938, on the occasion of the Tuam Diocesan Pilgrimage that year.
Calvary Hill is set in mature grounds overlooking the Shrine and also offers a peaceful location in which to pray the Stations of the Cross.
The stunning Stations of the Cross in Knock Basilica are the work of Westport artist, Ger Sweeney. The Stations are painted on stretched raw linen, each Station is 2.6 x 2.6 metres (square in shape). Taking into account the large extent and scale of the Basilica, and the gracious floor to ceiling height within the Basilica, it was decided that the Stations should be installed approx. 4.5m above floor level; this ensures that all pilgrims have a good view of the Stations and this facilitates prayer and particularly saying of the Rosary.
The Stations of the Cross utilise a subdued colour range and this colour range is combined with very effective representations of natural light in each Station; this is appropriate for the solemnity of the subject matter, and this artistic restraint helps to give a powerful emotional feeling to the works.
Lighting a candle at Knock and taking a few moments to pray for a loved one is a very special and prayerful experience.
The team at the outdoor candelabrum at the Parish Church will light candles on your behalf.
The Knock Prayer Centre offers Guided Prayer during the Pilgrimage Season.
The Prayer Centre is open from 11am – 6pm (closed for lunch 1-2) and we welcome everyone to visit for quiet prayer.
Scripture based Guided Prayer Sessions take place each day in The Prayer Centre, at 11.15am and 4.15pm (5pm at weekends), and Guided Evening Prayer happens each evening at 8.45pm in the Apparition Chapel.
The Prayer Centre also offers a one-to one Spiritual Direction Ministry which is available by appointment or drop in. For more information contact the Prayer Centre Coordinator, John Farrelly on 086 0108623 or prayerguidance@knockshrine.ie
All Are Welcome
Unique to the Knock Apparition is the representation of the Eucharist in the appearance of the Lamb on the altar. Knock Shrine was elevated to the status of International Eucharistic Shrine by Pope Francis in 2021.
Eucharistic Adoration takes place daily at the following times:
Blessed Sacrament Chapel:
9am to 6.30pm on weekdays
11.30am to 6.30pm on Sunday
Apparition Chapel
7pm – 9pm daily, with evening prayer at 8.30pm
Public Anointing of Sick is available during the pilgrimage season.
Anointing of the Sick takes place during the 3pm Mass on weekdays and at 2.30pm on Sunday.
Knock Museum is an ideal starting point for your visit to Knock Shrine and a delightful experience for visitors of any age. Here you will discover the unique and fascinating story of Knock – covering 140 years of history – and find out why more than 1 million people make the journey to Knock Shrine each year. Knock Museum is accredited to the Museum Standards Programme of Ireland.
Open daily from 10am to 6pm, with free admission.
Water blessed at Knock Shrine is valued and cherished by Knock pilgrims and few leave Knock without filling a container to take home with them.
There are 18 outdoor Holy Water Fonts located in front of the Apparition Chapel. Crafted from white Portuguese limestone, the 18 Holy Water fonts by Imogen Stuart each contain a carved relief that depicts scenes from the bible and the lives of the Saints that are connected to water.
Two Masses are celebrated at Knock Shrine each day for all those enrolled in the Knock Shrine Friends Association. When you enrol a loved one in the association, they will share in these daily Masses along with all the members enrolled in the association for an entire year from the date of enrolment.
Visit one of the Mass Enrolment offices throughout the Shrine grounds. The offices are open daily from 9am to 5.45pm.
For over 30 years, Knock Book Shop has built a reputation as an independent book seller specialising in spiritual books and resources. The Book Shop is centrally located in the Shrine grounds. Our experienced team are always at hand to advise you. Choose from a wide variety of topics from spirituality to pastoral resources and health and well being.
Open Daily from 9am to 6pm
There are 2 public Electric Vehicle (EV) charging units located in the WEST Car Park (behind the stalls area / Pope Francis Plaza). To use them, you will first need to download the EasyGo app on your phone, or order a Fob through their website: https://easygo.co.uk/charging-network
BY AIR
Ireland West Airport Knock is located 20 Km from Knock Shrine with scheduled services from the UK and Europe. A shuttle service operates from the Airport to Knock Village.
Visit Ireland West Airport for further information.
BY CAR
Knock is 220 Km from Dublin and 70 Km from Galway. It is located on the N17 road, midway between Galway and Sligo.
Visitor Car Park
Ballyhaunis Road
Knock
Co. Mayo
F12 X7Y3
GPS Co-Ordinates: N: 53.79391 W: 008.91387
Please note that we do not have parking facilities for motorhomes, caravans and camper vans.
BY BUS
Bus services are available from all major towns and cities. All bus stops in Knock are within a short walking distance of the Shrine Grounds. For full information including timetables visit Bus Eireann.
BY TRAIN
The nearest railway station is Claremorris (11 km), which is on the Dublin Heuston – Westport Line. For full information including timetables visit Irish Rail.
Parking is available for cars and coaches at the North Car Park. The entrance is located on the Ballyhaunis road.
The eircode is F12 X7Y3.
GPS Co-Ordinates: N: 53.79391 W: 008.91387
Please note the following:
We do not have EV charging points within the Shrine grounds. These are located in the West car park (please see details above).
There are no parking facilities available for campervans, caravans and motorhomes within the grounds of Knock Shrine.
For details on local caravan parks, please visit www.campingireland.ie
All details correct at time of publishing. Subject to change.