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Knock —County Mayo

Knock is a small village in East Mayo mid-way between Galway and Sligo, and almost equi-distance from Kiltimagh, Ballyhaunis and Claremorris. Best known for its religious associations, especially the Marian Shrine and Basilica, the village also boasts a fine museum, the Knock Folk Museum which documents the story of the Knock Apparition of 1879 and places it in the context of life at that time.
Knock International Airport which is named after the village, is located about 10 miles away, on the Charlestown road. The story of the airport and its charismatic founder, Monsigneur James Horan, are close to the heart of the community. The name Knock comes from the Irish word 'cnoc' which translates into English as 'hill'.
Knock is a well-appointed and tidy town, able to cope with the regular influxes of huge crowds of pilgrims and visitors. It is, in fact, Ireland's most visited town; every year, over one and a half million pilgrims visit this place of pilgrimage. There are a number of good hotels, B/Bs, as well as a selection of pubs, restaurants and shops.