Pilgrim Walk to Knock 2025
33 Km Morning Pilgrim Walk
on occasion of
Elphin Diocese’s Annual Pilgrimage to National Shrine of Our Lady,
Queen of Ireland,
Knock, Co. Mayo.
Sunday August 17th 2025
6.20 am – 1.30 pm
Introduction
It ranks among our greatest, enduring and lesser known traditions among younger generations. Every year for 145 years (since 1879) women and men of various parishes of the Elphin diocese have walked to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Knock, Co. Mayo.
Some have been inspired by spiritual motives such as giving praise and thanks to God. Others have walked in a spirit of penance and petition, eager to invoke Our Lady’s intercession for a loved one or a situation in need of divine help. For others it has simply been the joy of a fresh challenge, a fun means of losing weight and / or the prospect of enjoying the company of friends and new acquaintances as one walks along the road.
If you are in good health and have never tried it, now is your opportunity! Perhaps you could walk a section of it, if the whole walk seems too much? See below for details.
Pilgrim Walkers & Support Volunteers during the Elphin Diocese’s 2016 Pilgrim Walk
Pilgrim Walk (Provisional) Details
06.20 am
Pilgrims gather at St. Patrick’s Church, Castlerea, Co. Roscommon,
and register in Church porch.
06.30 am
Morning Prayer Service.
06.50 am
Stage 1 (c. 11.3 km)
St. Patrick’s Church to Michael Glavey’s GAA Community Centre, Willsborough, Ballinlough, Co. Roscommon.
08.45 am
Rest break & registration for persons joining walk at Michael Glavey’s Community Centre.
Tea, coffee & biscuits will be served.
09.15 am
Stage 2 (c. 10.2 km)
Michael Glavey’s Commnity Centre to St. Patrick’s Community Hall (opposite St. Patrick’s Church),
Ballyhaunis, Co. Mayo.
11.00 am
Rest break & registration for persons joining walk in Ballyhaunis.
Tea, coffee & biscuits will be served.
11.20 am
Stage 3 (c.11.4 km)
St. Patrick’s Community Hall to Knock Shrine via Loughanboy
13.15 pm
Walkers arrive at Apparition Chapel, Knock Shrine.
Costs
A voluntary contribution of €20 per participant (from those who can afford it) will be sought at registration to meet related costs. These costs include a contribution toward tea, coffee etc. in Ballinlough and Ballyhaunis, High Vis Vests for those who do not have them.
Other Important Information (please read)
High Vis Vests are required and will be available at registration. … Please bring one if you have one.
Participants under eighteen years of age must be accompanied by an adult willing to take responsibility for them.
All participants must sign a declaration that they are in good health and are willing to take responsibility for their own safety / not hold the Diocese of Elphin responsible in the event of an accident etc..
Appropriate footwear and rain-gear are strongly advised.
Food etc. may be purchased from shops in Ballyhaunis & Knock. Participants who require food other than the drinks and biscuits that will be provided before 10.30 am are advised to bring it with them as shops in Castlerea and Ballinlough will not be open when we pass through.
Pilgrim walkers (18 years and over) who wish to join at Ballinlough or Ballyhaunis are welcome to do so. Prior to joining they will need to register (see above) and put on a High Vis Vest (which can be purchased or borrowed).
Return Bus to Castlerea
Bus Service Back to Castlerea
Subject to demand, a bus will take pilgrims back to Castlerea c. 5.45 pm. Pilgrims availing of this bus will need to meet related costs. . For more information or to register your interest in availing of this service please contact Justin Harkin (mobile: 087 6171526) on or before Wednesday Aug. 13th.
Other Enquiries
Please contact Justin on 087 6171526.
