Travelling To Knock

Knock is located in County Mayo on the west coast of the Republic of Ireland. It is approximately 140 miles from the capital, Dublin. The Republic of Ireland (also called Ireland or Eire) occupies most of the island and sits in the Northern Atlantic Ocean in Western Europe. It is an independent country with the northern portion (Northern Ireland) being a part of the United Kingdom. Despite its size, Knock has an international airport, making it ideal for short breaks from the UK.

By car

A car isn't needed in Knock, as everything can be seen on foot. However, if you are exploring farther afield, a car is definitely recommended, as many attractions are spread out and public transport can be erratic. If you are arriving by ferry on the east coast, take the N17 road heading west. Knock is located on the N17 road, midway between Galway and Sligo, and approximately 140 miles from Dublin Port.

The quality of the road network has improved in recent years and all the major highways are in good condition and relatively free from congestion. Many of the country roads are narrow and winding, so extra care should be taken. Driving on these lanes can be a pleasure, with scenic treasures around every corner, but do not expect to get to your destination quickly. You will inevitably find yourself stuck behind a herd of cows or a slow moving tractor.

By rail

Travelling in Ireland by train is a popular choice, as there is an extensive rail network. For visitors coming from mainland Europe, the Channel Tunnel connects Britain and France. You can organise your journey by train through the InterRail service offered by Iarnrod Eireann, Ireland's national rail carrier. There are Channel services from Britain via ferry connections that take passengers across the Irish Sea, both day and night.

Trains are usually comfortable and punctual by Irish standards. If you intend to use the rail service as your mode of transport while in Ireland, you may want to consider one of Iarnrd ireann's Explorer tickets, which offer discounted prices. To get to Knock by train, the nearest stations are Claremorris (19 miles) or Ballyhaunis (14 miles), from where you can get a bus or a taxi. Tickets can be bought online at: www.irishrail.ie/home.

By bus

There are numerous options available for those who wish to travel to Ireland by bus (including a ferry connection). Express coach services from Britain to Ireland are operated by Eurolines in conjunction with Bus Eireann. You can travel from over 1,500 locations within Britain and from over 400 destinations throughout Europe. The luxury coaches are all equipped with onboard toilet facilities and reclining seats.

Within Ireland, Bus Eireann provides extensive services that link most of the towns. Once off the main routes, it's quite usual for small towns and villages to be served by only a couple of buses a week. Bus services connect Knock with Westport, Castlebar, Athlone and Dublin as well as Sligo, Ballina, Galway and Cork.

By air

When a local priest devised a plan for an international airport, there were years of controversy over this apparent waste of public funds. However, Knock Airport has turned out to be a remarkable success, bringing in pilgrims to see the shrine as well as many visitors for weekend breaks.

Knock International Airport

There are daily scheduled flights to Dublin as well as to destinations in the UK. The airport is situated three miles south of Charlestown, at the junction of the N17 and N5. Surprisingly, the town of Knock is not connected directly to the airport by public transport; you have to catch a bus to Charlestown or take a taxi. As well as a bureau de change, there's a tourist office in the airport and a number of bars and a restaurant. Short-term and long-term car parking is available nearby.

By ferry

Ireland is well served by car and passenger ferry ports in both the north and south, with modern vessels sailing directly to and from both the continent (France) and the UK (Scotland, England and Wales). The quickest sailing takes 1 hour 50 minutes from Holyhead in Britain to Dublin, with Irish Ferries. Connections to and from the south of Ireland are from Dun Laoghaire, Cork and Rosslare, with all of these ports offering various crossings at different times of the year.

Taxis

Taxis are available for hire at Knock Airport. It is not necessary to use taxis in the town, as everything can be covered on foot.