Knock Airport in County Mayo is arguably one of the most famous airports in Ireland.
Officially known as ‘Ireland West Airport’, you’ll find it in County Mayo near the renowned Knock Shrine.
Knock Airport caters to both domestic and international flights and it is the gateway to the many wonders that the Wild Atlantic Way has to offer.
Some quick need-to-knows about Knock Airport
Although a visit to Knock Airport is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
Situated in Charlestown, Knock Airport is within easy reach of Galway, Sligo, and Donegal. It’s a 45-minute drive from Westport, a 40-minute drive from Ballina and a 55-minute drive from Cong.
2. Parking
Knock Airport offers over 1,500 spaces in its short-term and long-term parking areas, all located within walking distance of the terminal.
3. Amenities
Facilities include bars and restaurants (barwest, eatwest and Sláinte Barista Cafe) , a shopping area, car rental services, and free WiFi throughout the terminal.
4. Airlines
Airlines such as Ryanair, Aer Lingus, and Flybe provide connections to various destinations across the UK and Europe.
5. Road trips starting here
We have countless road trip itineraries that use Knock as a starting point. You can choose itineraries that use only public transport or ones that use a car. Find them all here.
What to know about arriving in/leaving from Knock Airport
Photos via Shutterstock
So, if you’re used to flying in/out of the likes of Dublin Airport, Shannon Airport or Belfast International Airport, you’ve a nice alternative experience ahead of you.
We’d argue that if every airport could deliver the same experience as Knock Airport, flying would be a much more enjoyable process.
Transportation
The airport can be reached by local bus services, taxis, and rental cars. The airport is also well connected to major towns in the region by motorway.
Check-in
Knock Airport advise that flyers should arrive no later than 2 hours before departure time.
Now, we’ve heard of people arriving much closer to their flight time than this, and encountering no issues, but it’s always recommend that you follow the official advice.
Security
The security section at Knock is the same that you’ll encounter in most airports. You’ll need your liquids separated, laptops out of your bag and all of the usual bits and bobs out of your pockets. More info here.
A brief history of Knock Airport
Knock Airport was the brainchild of Monsignor James Horan – the parish priest of Knock from 1967 to 1986.
Despite considerable initial skepticism and endless financial challenges, Horan managed to get the airport built.
Sadly, he passed away on a pilgrimage to Lourdes only months after the airport opened 1986.
The airport has gone from strength-to-strength over the years, successfully boosting tourism and providing easy access for pilgrims visiting the nearby Knock Shrine.
In 2003, it was renamed Ireland West Airport Knock, reflecting its strategic location in the breath-taking West of Ireland.
Today, the airport welcomes hundreds of thousands of passengers annually, from pilgrims to tourists, and continues to play a pivotal role in the region’s economy and transportation network.
Things to do near Knock Airport
Photos courtesy Gareth McCormack/garethmccormack via Failte Ireland
One of the beauties of Knock Airport is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Mayo.
Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Knock Airport!
1. Knock Shrine
Knock Shrine is a world-renowned Catholic pilgrimage site attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims each year.
2. Museum of Country Life
This museum offers a glimpse into rural Irish life from the late 19th to mid 20th centuries.
3. Croagh Patrick
Croagh Patrick is one of Ireland’s most iconic pilgrimage sites, this mountain offers panoramic views of Clew Bay.
4. Westport House
Westport House is a historic manor estate in Westport offering various attractions for families, including pirate adventure parks and a bird of prey centre.
5. Ashford Castle
Ashford Castle is a medieval and Victorian castle turned luxury hotel, offering falconry, fishing, and other outdoor activities.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.