Knock

Travel Guide
Knock
With a name that simply means hill, Knock is a settlement of around a thousand inhabitants located in the far west of Ireland, served by a major airport.

Knock is an ideal place for visitors who want to discover something of rural Ireland outside of the main urban areas. A gem in the heart of County Mayo, Knock is a beautiful village that has been a place of pilgrimage for over a century. For religious visitors and holidaymakers alike, the settlement has plenty to offer in terms of bed and breakfast accommodation, as well as a larger-scale hotel with 68 rooms. The west of Ireland, surrounding Knock, is renowned for its natural beauty and is popular with hikers and cyclists. The wider County Mayo area is home to some of the republic's best links courses, often sporting stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean.

Take a stroll around Knock to discover one of the world's most important Christian shrines. In excess of a million pilgrims come to the village church each year to worship at the place where, in 1879, 15 people claimed to have witnessed a vision of the Virgin Mary, St Joseph and St John. Pope John Paul II went to the church himself during his famous visit to Ireland in 1979, and the site remains important in the area for both believers and non-believers.

Head south from the shrine for around a hundred metres to get to Knock's fascinating village museum. For visitors who don't necessarily know what all the fuss is about with a Victorian age vision, the museum helps to put the whole phenomenon into context. Not only does it delve into the details of what happened in 1879, but also charts the rise of Knock's tourism industry and often runs workshops, such as drawing and painting sessions.

Use the bus service or hire a bicycle to head to the nearby village of Kiltimagh. The 10-minute journey is rewarded with Kiltimagh Railway Museum. During the 1980s, the local Historical Society acquired the old goods store and converted it into a museum devoted to all things locomotive. As well as railway artefacts, the museum covers the period when many local inhabitants emigrated from the area, making it a favourite for Anglo-Irish and Irish-American families, among others.

Situated a little further to the northwest of Kiltimgh is Foxford Woollen Mills. It takes about half an hour to get there by road from Knock, and the mills offer the chance for visitors to see how County Mayo's famous rugs and tweeds and blankets are fashioned in 19th century surroundings. The visitor centre also houses a well-run restaurant.

Return to Knock in the evening to enjoy what the village has to offer in terms of nightlife. Like many places in rural Ireland, the pub is the centre of village life and Knock has several to discover, including the New Thatch Pub and Kilkenny's Bar. Flanagan's is another hostelry offering a warm welcome, situated a few kilometres to the south in Treanrevagh.

Travelling to Knock really means opening up all that County Mayo and the rest of the west of Ireland has to offer.

Knock House Hotel
Knock House Hotel
3 out of 5
Ballyhaunis Road, Knock, County Mayo
The price is €135 per night from 11 Apr to 12 Apr
€135
per night
11 Apr - 12 Apr
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Knock. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Knock Shrine and Basilica of Our ...
9/10 Wonderful! (35 reviews)
"The staff were very welcoming, receptive and helpful."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Knock House Hotel
The International
The International
3.5 out of 5
Main Street, Knock, County Mayo
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly vacation home in Knock. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Basilica of Our Lady, Queen ...
The International
Breaffy House Hotel
Breaffy House Hotel
4 out of 5
Castlebar, off Claremorris Rd, Castlebar, Mayo
The price is €160 per night from 9 Apr to 10 Apr
€160
per night
9 Apr - 10 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Castlebar. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Popular attractions McHale Park and Elmhall Graveyard are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (595 reviews)
"Fabulous from start to finish. We had prepaid so check in and out were quick and easy. Staff were very helpful from reception to bar and restaurant staff. Breakfast was lovely as was the meal we had in the bar the night previous. Would highly recommend"

Reviewed on 17 Dec 2023

Breaffy House Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The International
The International
3.5 out of 5
Main Street, Knock, County Mayo
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly vacation home in Knock. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Basilica of Our Lady, Queen ...
The International
Family & Pet Friendly Restored Cottage in East Mayo with  4* Bord Failte Award
Family & Pet Friendly Restored Cottage in East Mayo with 4* Bord Failte Award
Bracklagh, Brickens, Claremorris, Co May
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Logboy. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Our guests praise the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (141 reviews)
5 Stars - Excellent
"We had an excellent stay. The children loved the ponies and cats and were more than happy. Would happily recommend Sean & Suzi’s place to everyone for an enjoyable stay."

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2024

Family & Pet Friendly Restored Cottage in East Mayo with 4* Bord Failte Award
200 Year Old Stone Built Cottage
200 Year Old Stone Built Cottage
Foxford
Stay at this vacation home in Swinford. Enjoy a water park, 4 bathrooms, and a kitchen. Popular attractions Hennigan's Heritage Centre and Meelick Round Tower ...
200 Year Old Stone Built Cottage
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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