Travelling together on pilgrimage
A pilgrimage is as much about the journey together as the place itself. A comfortable minibus for a prayer group, or a coach for the whole parish, lets everyone travel as one.
A day at Knock
Your minibus or coach can park at the shrine's North Car Park, which takes cars and coaches and is reached from the Ballyhaunis road. Knock is busiest during the Novena, 14-22 August each year, and on the first Saturday of every month, so aim to arrive early on those days.
Coming from Sligo, allow around 50 minutes for the 55 km or so. For parishioners flying in, Ireland West Airport Knock is only about 20 km from the shrine.
Reek Sunday on Croagh Patrick
The national pilgrimage on Croagh Patrick takes place on the last Sunday in July, which in 2027 is 25 July. On the day, pilgrims are asked to take direction from stewards and the rescue teams. The mountain has no toilets, so plan a comfort stop before the climb. Not everyone will go up; agree where the others will wait and a firm time to meet back at the bus.
Rules worth knowing
- Knock's busiest times are the annual Novena (14-22 August) and the first Saturday of each month
- On Reek Sunday pilgrims are asked to follow stewards and rescue teams; there are no toilets on the mountain
Holy places closer to home
Athlone groups can reach Clonmacnoise, the early Christian monastery beside the Shannon, in about half an hour. The shrine of St Oliver Plunkett is in St Peter's Church on West Street, Drogheda. From Dublin, the monastic site at Glendalough is about an hour away, and in Galway the cathedral stands beside the Salmon Weir Bridge.
Comfort for every pilgrim
Parish groups often include older members and people who use a wheelchair or walking frame. Mention it when you ask for a quote. A wheelchair-accessible minibus, with 10 to 16 seats plus wheelchair spaces, means nobody has to travel separately.
Questions
Where does our bus park at Knock Shrine?
The shrine's North Car Park takes coaches as well as cars; its entrance is off the Ballyhaunis road.
What date is Reek Sunday in 2027?
It falls on 25 July 2027, the final Sunday in July.
Can we fly in for a Knock pilgrimage?
Yes. The airport at Knock sits only about 20 km away, so the transfer from arrivals to the shrine is short.
Cities
Vehicles
- Full-size coach — 49-57 seats
- Midi coach — 29-35 seats
- Minibus — 16-19 seats
- Executive van (Mercedes V-Class / Sprinter class) — 7-8 seats
- Executive car (E-Class saloon class) — 1-3 seats
- Wheelchair-accessible minibus — 10-16 plus wheelchair spaces seats
Arrange your pilgrimage
Let us know the dates, the shrines, how many are coming and anything that would make the day easier for less mobile pilgrims. A licensed partner operator then offers a vehicle and driver to suit.
Request a quote or call 35312659159