Planning Your Visit to Knock Shrine

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 glass  chapel encompasses the gable wall of the Parish Church, site of the Apparition. The stunning Carrara  marble tableau is an exact representation of the Apparition, as described in the Witnesses’ accounts.

The Chapel is open for private prayer daily from 8am to 9pm.

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

Outdoor Stations of the Cross

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.

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.

Stations of the Cross at Knock Basilica

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 only.

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.

During the Winter season, Eucharistic Adoration takes place daily  at the following times:

Chapel of Reconciliation:

10.30am to 4pm daily

Apparition Chapel

7pm – 9pm daily

Through the Sacrament of  anointing, pilgrims in need can experience the gentle healing touch of the Lord. The sacrament is also a time to thank God for good health and to intercede for friends who are ill and for their carers.

Public Anointing of the Sick takes place during the pilgrimage season only.

The peaceful atmosphere at Knock Shrine is enhanced by over 100 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens. Meandering pathways wind through fragrant flower beds and shrubberies, where quiet spaces can be found for prayer and reflection.

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. From November 2024 to March 2025, the Museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm

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 4.45pm.

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

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