Pilgrimage Group Movements: Shrine, Mountain, Airport
Pilgrimage groups travel on the shrine's timetable: Mass times, ceremonies and the Novena programme. The transport plan fixes arrival before the first ceremony and one clear pickup point for the return.
Arriving at Knock Shrine
Coach parking at the shrine is in the North Car Park, which is signed off the Ballyhaunis road. Give that entrance to the driver ahead of the day. Expect the heaviest crowds in Novena week (14 to 22 August each year) and on first Saturdays; on those days allow more time for the approach and for gathering the group after the last ceremony.
Groups flying in use Ireland West Airport Knock, about 20 km from the shrine. The airport publishes no coach park, and vehicles cannot wait at the terminal drop-off, so fix the meeting point with the operator before the flight lands.
Reek Sunday 2027
In 2027 the national climb of Croagh Patrick is on 25 July, the last Sunday of the month. The organisers ask pilgrims to take direction from stewards and rescue teams. With no toilets anywhere on the mountain, schedule a comfort stop before arrival. Climbers come down at very different times; set a latest return time and a single meeting point, and give the driver a named contact in the group.
Regulations that apply
- Ireland West Airport Knock is about 20 km from Knock Shrine
Parish departures and slower walkers
Sligo is about 50 minutes from Knock Shrine. The airport is 60 to 65 minutes from Galway and just over an hour from Athlone. For a longer day from Dublin, ask whether the timings fit one driver's hours, remembering that 4.5 hours at the wheel triggers a break of at least 45 minutes.
If anyone uses a wheelchair, say so at booking: an accessible minibus or an extra accessible vehicle may be needed alongside the coach.
Questions
Where does a coach park at Knock Shrine?
In the North Car Park. Direct the driver to its entrance on the Ballyhaunis road.
What is the date of Reek Sunday in 2027?
Sunday 25 July 2027. Plan the return around the slowest climber in the group.
When is Knock at its busiest?
Novena week, 14 to 22 August, and the first Saturday of any month. Allow extra approach time on those days.
Cities
Vehicles
- Full-size coach — 49-81 seats
- Midi coach — 29-35 seats
- Minibus — 16-19 seats
- Executive van (Mercedes V-Class and similar) — 6-7 seats
- Executive car (E-Class saloon class) — 1-3 seats
- Wheelchair-accessible minibus — 10-16 plus wheelchair spaces
Arrange the pilgrimage
Send the parish pickup, ceremony times and numbers, including anyone using a wheelchair. The quote gives departure and return times.
Request a quote or call +353 1 265 9159