Knock Shrine is one of Ireland’s most important religious sites, located in County Mayo. It is a major Catholic pilgrimage destination, attracting visitors from around the world. The shrine is famous for the apparition of the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist, which was witnessed by 15 villagers on August 21, 1879. This miraculous event transformed Knock into a sacred place of prayer, reflection, and spiritual healing.
At the heart of the shrine is the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland, a stunning modern church that can accommodate thousands of pilgrims. Visitors can also explore the Apparition Chapel, which stands on the exact site of the 1879 vision. The shrine complex includes a museum, a prayer garden, and stations of the cross, offering a peaceful atmosphere for contemplation.
Knock Shrine has been visited by several popes, including Pope John Paul II in 1979 and Pope Francis in 2018, further cementing its significance in Catholic tradition. The site is also associated with numerous reports of miraculous healings and answered prayers. Whether for religious devotion or cultural interest, Knock Shrine provides a deeply moving and inspiring experience for all who visit.
Tour Info
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Pick-up and drop-off in the Galway area
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16
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Minibus
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6 Hours
Knock Shrine Private Tour
Embark on a spiritual journey to Knock Shrine, Ireland’s most famous pilgrimage site, located in County Mayo. This private tour offers a peaceful and reflective experience, allowing you to explore the sacred grounds and participate in various religious and cultural activities.
During your 3-hour visit, you will have the opportunity to attend inspiring liturgies, take part in the Traditional Station for Pilgrims, and spend quiet moments in private prayer at the Apparition Chapel, the exact site where the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist appeared in 1879. You can also visit the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland, a modern architectural masterpiece that welcomes thousands of pilgrims each year.
For a moment of deep reflection, you can contemplate the Stations of the Cross, light a candle for a loved one, or receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Visitors can also explore the Knock Museum, which tells the story of the apparition and the village’s transformation into a major religious site. The shrine’s peaceful gardens and prayer areas provide a tranquil space for contemplation and meditation.
Following your visit to the shrine, enjoy a 1-hour lunch stop at Knock House Hotel, a 3-star hotel nestled in 100 acres of picturesque grounds, just a 5-minute walk from Knock Shrine & Basilica. Alternatively, you can choose to dine at St. Mary’s, located adjacent to Knock Shrine, or opt for a restaurant of your choice in the village.
Whether you are seeking spiritual renewal, prayer, or cultural enrichment, Knock Shrine offers a truly moving and unforgettable experience in the heart of Ireland.
Tour Highlights
- Visit Knock Shrine – Explore Ireland’s most famous pilgrimage site, where the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist appeared in 1879.
- Participate in Inspiring Liturgies – Experience the uplifting atmosphere of prayer and devotion at one of the daily religious services.
- Follow the Traditional Station for Pilgrims – Take part in this centuries-old pilgrimage tradition, walking in prayer and reflection.
- Private Prayer in the Apparition Chapel – Spend quiet moments in the sacred space where the miraculous apparition took place.
- Visit the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland – Admire this modern architectural masterpiece, designed to accommodate thousands of pilgrims.
- Learn at the Knock Museum – Discover the history of the apparition and the transformation of Knock into a world-renowned religious site.
- Contemplate the Stations of the Cross – Reflect on Christ’s journey while walking through the beautifully designed outdoor stations.
- Light a Candle for a Loved One – Offer a prayer or intention by lighting a candle in this peaceful setting.
- Receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation – Take the opportunity to experience spiritual renewal through confession.
- Lunch at Knock House Hotel or St. Mary’s – Enjoy a delicious meal in a serene setting, just a short walk from the shrine.