Publication
Papal visit to Knock: Further Information
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on
Last updated on
Registration for tickets is now closed. All information on tickets, please see the Link to World Meeting of Families Website . This includes information for those with accessibility issues.
It is not possible to apply for tickets for both Phoenix Park and the Knock events, as these events are on the same day – you may only apply for one of these events.
Every adult and child in attendance will need a ticket. Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult. All tickets will be for standing sections only.
You are not going to be able to drive up to or near Knock. Please note that there is a considerable walk from the car parks due to the size, scale and location of this event. There will be no shuttle bus facility available between the car parks and the event site. We encourage public transport as an alternative form of transport. There will be car parking available on the outskirts of Knock village. Public transport and private coaches will get you nearer to the venue.
Transport services by train will be limited for Knock, so we recommend that you book a ticket in advance of travel at Link to Irish Rail website
If you are a pass holder you do not have to pay the usual seat reservation charge of €5, but you must reserve a seat on the Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail website Link to Irish Rail website
A bus shuttle service will be provided between Claremorris station and the Knock Shrine. Your train ticket can be used on this bus shuttle service for free.
If you require more information:
| Further Information : Iarnrod Eireann 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 |
Knock is served by Bus Éireann services 440 (Athlone to Westport) 438 (Ballina to Knock) and 64 (Galway to Sligo). All timetabled information can be found on Link to Bus Eireann Website or Link to Expressway Website These routes may be enhanced over the coming weeks, depending on ticket analysis.
If you require more information:
| Further Information : Bus Eireann | |
| 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 Eireann Website |
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.
There will be prayers from 8.30am until 9.30am, The Pope Mobile will arrive at 9.45am and will depart no later then 10.45am. Directly after the Pope departure from Knock, there will be an open air Mass.
For more information on the ceremonies click here.
The venue is likely to be open from early morning. The exact time will be confirmed closer to the event.
You will not be able to stay overnight in Knock. No camping is allowed. Fáilte Ireland recommends that people book accommodation early. Given the scale of this event it is advisable that people also consider hotels in the wider areas and surrounding counties and check transport options from their hotel when booking their accommodation in light of the restrictions in car access that will be in place.
The event will be over at 10.45am afterwards followed by an open air Mass. Please be aware that it may take some time to make your exit, as there will be a large volume of people exiting at the same time.
Information will be provided with your ticket regarding what you can bring in to Knock.
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.
Live coverage of the event in Knock and of the entire visit will be broadcast on RTÉ and other media outlets. More details will be available closer to the event.
You do need to be prepared for a lot of walking. To help you with your journey there are a number of supports in place. There is also a range of facilities on site to help you on the day. There will be volunteers throughout the venue to help you on the day. Facilities will be provided for people with accessibility issues and their careers. Portable seating will be allowed into the venue. More information on this and what else you can bring into the venue will be available soon.
It is also useful to know that the walking will be throughout the day so give yourself good time to get into the venue. Leaving the venue will be slower as everyone will be trying to leave at the same time.
It is not feasible to have seating for such volumes of people. That said, portable seating will be allowed into the venue. More information on this and what else you can bring into the venue will be available soon and there will be supports for those with accessibility issues.
There are also a range of facilities on site to help you on the day.
If you have an ongoing medical issue which you think may affect your safety and comfort at the event, it is important that you consider this before deciding to attend. You may like to consult with your GP or other health professional about this. Remember, the event in Knock will be live on RTÉ so you can participate even if not attending the event in person.
The event will have an impact on local residents and businesses. We are aiming to ensure that any disruption to businesses and individuals is minimised as much as possible.
Necessary alternative arrangements are being developed. As plans are put in place, you will be contacted in advance of the event.
The event will have an impact on local residents and businesses. We are aiming to ensure that any disruption to businesses and individuals is minimised as much as possible.
Necessary alternative arrangements are being developed. As plans are put in place, you will be contacted in advance of the event.
Members of the media must accredit for this event. More information is available Link to Media Information .