Publication
Plan Your Transport (Knock)
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
Public transport and coaches will be given priority and will bring you closest to Knock. Leave your car at home - There is NO car park near the venue.
The National Transport Authority (NTA), An Gardaí Síochána and public transport operators outlined the comprehensive transportation plan and road closure system to be put in place for the Visit of Pope Francis. The Traffic Management Plan includes important information regarding road closures, parking and transport.
View the Official Traffic Plan for Knock Shrine visit.
Decide how you will travel to Knock well in advance - bus, train, or coach. You will not be able to drive up to or park near the venue. Information on all transport options is below.
Please note that given the volume of people attending this event, the gate through which you will enter the Knock will be assigned to you. You will also be required to leave from this same gate. When you receive your ticket for the event, it will include the information on your route to the Phoenix Park and the gate you must use to enter and exit.
For more information, please see our Frequently Asked Questions .
This information is updated online on an ongoing basis so please check back regularly.
It is advisable, where possible, to avail of public transport, or pre-organised private coaches to attend this event. These options are being given priority and will bring you closest to the Phoenix Park. It will not be possible to drive up to or near to the Phoenix Park by car.
Regardless of your transport option choice, all will still include a considerable walking element. Therefore appropriate footwear and weather related clothing is advisable.
For more information on how to plan for a long day, click Link to long journey advice Knock .
Translink have set up a dedicated web page Link to Translink website where you can buy tickets online in advance, find useful links for journey planning and other general advice. Translink strongly recommends that people book their travel ticket well in advance to avoid disappointment.
Private coaches will park in allocated transport hubs within walking distance of Knock Shrine and you will be able to walk to the venue from there. Details on Park & Walk facilities will be available closer to the event.
Train transport to Knock on Sunday 26 August will be extremely limited. Those wishing to travel must book a ticket in advance at Link to Irish Rail Website . This includes Department of Employment Affairs and Social Protection pass holders and annual ticket holders. If you do not have an advance booking you will not be permitted to travel.
Limited services will operate from Westport, Ballina and Athlone with a bus connection at Claremorris for Knock. Your train ticket will gain you access to this bus connection service. Full details of these services will be available soon on Link to Irish Rail Website .
| Further Information | Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail | |
| Phone | 1850 366 222 (Mon-Fri, 09:00-18:00). | |
| Link to Irish Rail Twitter (Mon-Fri, 07:30-18:30). | ||
| Website | Link to Irish Rail Website |
Pope Francis will visit Knock Shrine on the morning of the 26th August. In order to cater for anticipated demand Bus Éireann will operate additional services on the following routes:
| Route 440 | (Westport to Knock, Athlone to Knock) |
| Route 421 | (Ballina to Knock) |
| Route 64 | (Galway – Knock – Sligo) |
In addition to these extra services Bus Éireann will operate a bus shuttle between Claremorris train station and Knock. For those who have a ticket for the event, the bus shuttle service will be free.
| Further Information | Bus Éireann |
| Phone | 1850 836611 (Mon-Sun, 08:30 - 18:00). |
| Link to Bus Éireann Twitter (staffed 24/7) Link to Expressway Twitter (staffed Mon-Fri, 09:00-17:00). | |
| Website | Link to Bus Éireann Website |
It is advisable, where possible, to avail of public transport, or pre-organised private coaches to attend this event. Limited parking facilities will be provided around Knock on the day. Your ticket will indicate the best route to take into Knock. From there you will be walking to the event.
A Garda cordon will be in place on the day. As such, it will not be possible to drive up to or park near the Shrine.
Every effort is being made to accommodate as many people with accessibility needs as is possible, within this unique location. We are currently consulting with disability organisations regarding this and will be communicating the finalised plans as soon as possible.
In the meantime, please do register for a ticket, indicating your accessibility requirements.
For more information on transportation, please see our Pope's Visit FAQ
This information is updated on an ongoing basis so please check back regularly.