Question 1

Do I still need to pack liquids in a 100ml bag at Ireland West Airport?

Accepted Answer

No. The previous 100ml limit on liquids, gels and aerosols no longer applies at Knock — containers of up to 2 litres can travel in carry-on baggage, with no clear resealable bag required and no limit on how many you carry.

Question 2

Who built Ireland West Airport, and why is there a prayer room?

Accepted Answer

Monsignor James Horan, parish priest of Knock, set out in the early 1980s to build an airport on a "foggy, boggy hill" in rural County Mayo — with no money and against long odds — so pilgrims could reach Knock Shrine. It opened in 1986. The Horan Airport Trust, still a shareholder today, seats the parish priest of Knock Shrine and the Archbishop of Tuam as trustees, and the terminal keeps a multi-faith prayer room upstairs beside the Sláinte Barista Café.

Question 3

Are there still pilgrim flights to Lourdes or Medjugorje from Ireland West Airport?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Joe Walsh Tours runs seasonal charter flights to Lourdes from May to October, and Marian Pilgrimages runs seasonal charters to Medjugorje typically in September and October, with occasional services in May — both include flights, transfers, a hotel and a religious programme, booked directly with the operator rather than as a standard airline ticket.

Question 4

How do I get to Ireland West Airport without a car?

Accepted Answer

Bus Éireann stops right outside the terminal — under a minute's walk — with Expressway Route 64 (Galway–Donegal via the airport) and Route 440 (Athlone–Westport via the airport). Rail travellers ride that same Route 64 bus onward to Claremorris or Ballyhaunis, about 25–30 minutes away, since Knock never built a station of its own.

Question 5

Is there a lounge at Ireland West Airport?

Accepted Answer

One: The Nephin Lounge, airside past security near Boarding Gate 3, open daily from 2 hours before the first departure. Entry is €25.00 on the day or €22.00 pre-booked, with access by code from the Customer Information desk or a ShopWest till. Priority Pass, Lounge Pass and Aer Lingus/British Airways Silver-tier members and above are all welcome.

Question 6

Does pre-booking parking online actually save money at Ireland West Airport?

Accepted Answer

Yes — up to 20% off the standard drive-up gate rate, with free changes or cancellation up to 12 hours before arrival. Every space in the car park costs the same regardless of how long you stay, including PRM/Blue Badge bays directly in front of the terminal, which get no discount and no surcharge either way.

Charlestown, County Mayo

NOC questions travelers actually ask