Coach hire for pilgrimage groups
Parish and pilgrimage groups often travel on the busiest days of the year at the places they visit. Settle arrival, parking and the regrouping point first, then fit the devotions around them.
Arriving at Knock
Knock Shrine has car and coach parking at its North Car Park, entered from the Ballyhaunis road. The busiest times are the annual Novena, 14-22 August, and the first Saturday of every month. On those days arrive early and agree with the driver exactly where the group meets for the return.
Ireland West Airport Knock is about 20 km from the shrine, which suits groups flying in. From Sligo, Knock Shrine is about 55 km, some 50 minutes by road.
Reek Sunday on Croagh Patrick
Reek Sunday, the national pilgrimage on Croagh Patrick, falls on the last Sunday in July: 25 July 2027. Pilgrims are asked to follow the stewards and rescue teams, and there are no toilets on the mountain. Stop before the climb, carry water, and set a firm time to regroup at the coach. Not everyone will climb, so plan where the others wait.
What the rules require
- Knock Shrine has car and coach parking at its North Car Park, entered from the Ballyhaunis road
- Reek Sunday, the national pilgrimage on Croagh Patrick, is the last Sunday in July (25 July 2027)
Shrines and monastic sites elsewhere
St Peter's Church on West Street, Drogheda, holds the shrine of St Oliver Plunkett. Clonmacnoise, the early Christian monastic site on the Shannon, is about 30 minutes from Athlone. Glendalough, the monastic site in the Wicklow Mountains, is about 45 minutes from Bray. Galway Cathedral stands by the Salmon Weir Bridge.
Older pilgrims and slower walkers
Many parish groups include people who walk slowly or use a wheelchair. Mention it when asking for a quote: step height, a wheelchair space and set-down close to the door all depend on the vehicle offered.
Questions
Where does the coach park at Knock Shrine?
At the North Car Park, entered from the Ballyhaunis road. It takes both cars and coaches.
When is Reek Sunday in 2027?
Sunday 25 July 2027, the last Sunday of the month.
Which days are busiest at Knock?
The Novena from 14 to 22 August and the first Saturday of each month.
Is the airport near Knock Shrine?
Ireland West Airport Knock is about 20 km away, a short coach transfer for groups arriving by air.
Cities
Vehicles
- Full-size coach — 49-81 seats
- Midi coach — 29-35 seats
- Minibus — 16-19 seats
- Executive van (Mercedes V-Class and similar) — 6-7 seats
- Executive car (E-Class saloon class) — 1-3 seats
- Wheelchair-accessible minibus — 10-16 plus wheelchair spaces
Plan a pilgrimage
Send the dates, the shrines, the group size and any mobility needs. A licensed partner operator quotes the coach with a driver, and the group decides.
Request a quote or call 35312659152