Travel to Knock with travel insurance from Essential Travel

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Information on Knock with single trip travel insurance from Essential Travel

Most famous for the Knock Shrine, the charming town of Knock is a pilgrimage destination for thousands of people annually. In 1879, an apparition of Mary, St Joseph and John the Baptist was seen here by 15 people. Since that time, Knock has become an important place for Catholics, with even the Pope visiting here in 1979.

Getting there

Knock International Airport, 12kms from the city, receives limited flights from Dublin, London and Manchester. Another option, Dublin International Airport, is four hours away; while Shannon International Airport is three hours away. By car from Dublin and points east, the main N5 road leads to many points in County Mayo; from Galway, take N84 or N17. From Sligo and points north, take N17 or N59. Iaranrod Eireann train service goes from Dublin to Claremorris, about 10kms from Knock. However, trains are infrequent and expensive. Bus Eireann offers buses between Knock and major towns and cities; there are numerous services every day from Galway.

Info on Knocks Key attractions

the National Shrine of Our Lady of Knock is where, in 1879, 15 local townspeople witnessed an appearance of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Here, a massive, circular basilica with seating for 7,000 people contains artefacts and furnishings from every county in Ireland. On the grounds, you’ll find a folk museum and a religious bookshop.

Out and about in Knock

the most extensive Stone Age site in the world is less than an hour by car from Knock. The Ceide Fields is a 1,500-hectare archaeological site of stone walls, field systems, enclosures and tombs, dating from about 5,000 years ago. Also fascinating, the wild region of Connemara is 50kms from Knock. The Twelve Bens offers hiking trails and spectacular views of the ocean. North of Knock is Croagh Patrick, a scenic mountain with lovely views. Clare Island is just 5.6kms off the Mayo coast. There are just 150 year round residents on this island, best known as the haunt of Grace OMalley, the pirate queen. Her castle and the partially restored Cistercian Abbey where she is buried are worth seeing.

Leisure OPtions

salmon and trout fishing in the waters of the River Moy and loughs Carrowmore and Conn is a popular pastime. Golfers can relax on County Mayos 18-hole golf courses. It’s also possible to enjoy kayaking on Killala Bay, a beautiful inlet north of Ballina.

Safety

holidaymakers can be susceptible to dangers and annoyances. Pickpocketing is an ever present problem in large tourist areas and visitors should remain alert. Driving and water sports also place the traveller at an increased risk of injury. We recommend you take out adequate travel insurance for you and your family.

Weather in Knock

It is difficult to summarise the weather in Ireland as it is totally unpredictable. But it can be said that the country does not suffer from extremes of weather. So the climate is palatable all year round.

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