When to fly
The summer months of June to August are the driest and warmest times of the year so finding cheap deals on flights is a challenging task. The average maximum daytime temperature during this time is around 17/18 degrees Celsius. This weather is most suited to those wanting to enjoy the outdoors and is popular with people travelling to Knock for activities such as camping, hiking, fishing and bike riding.
Knock is home to the world famous Catholic Pilgrimage site, the Shrine of Knock, which is the reason why many people visit the town. Pilgrimages take place all through the year, which can increase the number of visitors to the area. Guided tours are also available throughout the year if you would like to explore the Shrine and its history with an experienced local guide.
The cheapest time to visit Knock is between November and May, when the weather is at its coolest, with an average maximum daytime temperature between 7 and 14 degrees Celsius across the months. As these are the off-peak seasons for the town, you may be able to find better accommodation rates, deals on tour packages and cheap flights to Knock.
Destination overview
Situated in the rugged landscape of Co. Mayo in the west of Ireland, Knock is a quaint town of great religious significance. The Shrine of Knock is a world-famous Roman Catholic pilgrimage site that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors from all corners of the globe. In the late 19th century, apparitions of the Blessed Virgin Mary, as well as several saints, are claimed to have appeared in the town to a group of children, which is why the site has been heralded as a place of worship. There are also numerous tours available, allowing visitors to fully appreciate the historical and religious significance of the site. In addition to this, Knock is also a short distance from Croagh Patrick - the mountain named after Ireland's patron saint and itself a site of religious importance. The town accommodates visitors through charming hotels, B&Bs, cafes and restaurants, where tourists can get a taste for traditional Irish cuisine as well as other facets of Irish culture. For those looking for more outdoor activity, the town is perfectly located to explore the nearby mountains, hills, lakes and rivers that define the west of Ireland. From bike-riding, fishing, camping and hiking to simply taking in the breathtaking scenery, this destination is ideal for those interested in a spiritual, active or scenic getaway. The larger towns of Westport and Castlebar are also in close proximity, where tourists can also avail of the thriving Irish pub scene.
Getting around Knock
Knock is a very small town, and can easily be explored by foot. To discover the environs of the town, or the nearby towns, there are buses available, as well as taxis. Biking is also an option, and a great way to enjoy the spectacular scenery of the county.
Getting from the airport to the city
Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC) is conveniently located at just 12 miles (20 km) away from the town itself. There are regular shuttle buses that take visitors from the airport terminal to the town. Alternatively, there are car rental services and numerous taxi services available. If getting a flight in from Shannon or Dublin airport, there are railway and bus routes available that will take visitors to the site as well as to the larger towns in the region.
