Knock (Ireland)
Knock (Irish: Cnoc Mhuire, "Hill of (the Virgin) Mary") is a small town in County Mayo on the west coast of Ireland.
History
Home to the world famous Knock Shrine where on the 21 August, 1879, there was an apparition of Our Lady, St John the Evangelist and St Joseph. They appeared at the south gable of Knock Parish Church and was witnessed by fifteen people, young and old. Knock is now internationally recognised Marian Shrine and was visited by Pope John Paul II in 1979, commemorating the centenary of the Apparition. Mother Teresa of Calcutta visited the Shrine in June of 1993. One and a half million pilgrims visit the Shrine annually from countries all over the world. An international airport, Ireland-West Airport was opened in Knock as an international gateway for visitors to Ireland and has elevated the status of Knock to a major tourist destination.
Get in
The easiest way of getting to Knock from within Ireland is by car, alternatively you can travel by Bus . Unfortunately there is no direct route to Knock all connections are made via Charlestown. The nearest train station is Ballyhaunis, 12km from Knock.
By plane
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Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC IATA) (located 20 km (12 mi) from the centre of Knock town). direct flights available from the UK and various other European destinations.
By car hire
Car hire is available from several agencies in the airport including Alamo, Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz.
Get around
You can explore Knock and Knock Shine on foot.
See
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Knock Shrine. a major international pilgrimage site where Catholics believe an apparition of the Virgin Mary occurred.
Do
Buy
Being an international tourist hotspot a number of religious stalls, shops and markets line the main route through the town to the shrine.
Eat
- Hillside Hotel. Located in the centre of Knock Village and offering food all day.
Drink
Sleep
Knock House Hotel.
There is also a caravan and camping area located on the Shrine grounds.
As a lot of invalid and sick pilgrims attend the Shrine the St John's Rest & Care Centre was setup providing light refreshments, on call doctor and a minibus with wheelchair lift.
- Gateway Hotel. Located just 10 minutes from both Knock Airport and Knock Shrine is the family run Gateway Hotel in the town of Swinford.