Knock Key Attractions

The town of Knock is small and rural, but has grown to cater for many tourists. As a place, it is nothing much to look at, but if you are interested in religion then it can prove fascinating. The focal point of the town is the Knock Shrine, and this is what attracts thousands of pilgrims and visitors every year. The airport has had the effect of opening up this region of Ireland and now offers connections to London for weekend breaks. The surrounding countryside and rich archaeological landscape make it well-worth visiting.

Knock Shrine

Knock was made famous in 1879 when 15 people experienced a vision of the Virgin Mary, St Joseph and St John the Baptist. The area was marked and has since been a place of pilgrimage. It's easy to forget the importance of the Catholic Church if you are visiting Ireland, but when you are in Knock, this serves as a significant reminder. For Catholics, this shrine, along with Lourdes in France and Fatima in Portugal, rates as one of the leading confirmations of their faith.

There were reports of miracles occurring at the site well into the 20th century. A number of sick and disabled people claimed they recovered after visiting the shrine. A church inquiry was set up to investigate these claims and it went on to uphold Knock's status in 1936. This led to a further increase in the number of people making a pilgrimage to the area.

One hundred years after the apparition, Pope John Paul II visited the shrine and bestowed two privileges. He raised the new church in Knock to that of a basilica and presented a Golden Rose to the shrine. Traditionally, the gift of a Golden Rose is a mark of exceptional honour. Many other spiritual leaders have visited including Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who came in June 1993.

The gigantic Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland was opened in 1976. It covers an acre of ground and can hold up to 12,000 people. Inside, there are artefacts and furnishings from every county in Ireland.

Knock Folk Museum

This museum documents the story of the Knock Apparition and places it in the context of life at that time. There are some artefacts relating to the apparition and the miracles associated with it. There are also permanent displays covering fishing, farming, crafts and clothing. The museum is open from May to October (tel: +353 9493 88100).

Ballintubber Abbey

If you are exploring the area by car, then Ballintubber Abbey can be found in the town of Claremorris. This is the only church in Ireland founded by an Irish king that is still in use. Highlights include the 15th century western doorway and 13th century windows on the right side of the nave. It is open daily (tel: +353 949 030934).

Cide Fields

The west of Ireland has a long and turbulent geological history, which stretches back hundreds of millions of years. Cide Fields is located in North Mayo and is the most extensive Stone Age monument in the world. This 5,000-year-old site consists of interesting megalithic tombstones, field walls and houses which have been preserved beneath a layer of peat. There is wild flora which is of international importance and the area is surrounded by spectacular rock and cliff formations. The award-winning visitor centre contains exhibitions and audio-visual shows. They can also organise guided tours of the area if booked in advance (tel: +353 964 3325).

Keel Bay

This beautiful bay is formed where the Keel River joins Lough Mask and is an area of outstanding natural beauty. In addition to the abundant flora and wildlife, the Partry Mountains provide a stunning backdrop to the lake, which has many islands and bays to explore.