Diocese of Killala Pilgrimage to Our Lady's Shrine, Knock

What to Expect

Each year, on the first Sunday of October, the Diocese of Killala holds its own diocesan pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Shrine in Knock, distinct from the National Novena held in mid-August. In 2026 this falls on Sunday 4 October. Ceremonies begin at 2:30pm with the Anointing of the Sick, followed by a concelebrated Mass at 3pm, traditionally celebrated by the Bishop of Killala. It is a quieter, more local occasion than the August Novena, drawing pilgrims from parishes across the diocese - which covers much of north Mayo, from Ballina and Killala out to Belmullet and the Erris peninsula - for a single afternoon of prayer rather than a multi-day event. The Diocesan Director of Pilgrimages, based in Belmullet, coordinates the day on the diocese’s behalf.

Because it falls after the peak summer pilgrimage season, the October diocesan pilgrimage tends to draw a more local crowd than the National Novena, with coach parties organised from individual parishes across Killala diocese rather than the national mix of visitors seen in August. The Anointing of the Sick beforehand is a particular focus of the day, giving elderly and unwell pilgrims a dedicated opportunity for that sacrament ahead of the main Mass, in a setting less crowded than the height of summer.

Good to Know

• Date: Sunday 4 October 2026 (the first Sunday in October, the diocese’s usual date for this pilgrimage)
• Times: 2:30pm Anointing of the Sick, 3:00pm concelebrated Mass
• Venue: Our Lady’s Shrine, Knock Basilica, Knock, Co. Mayo
• Price: Free, open to all
• This is an annual fixture in the Diocese of Killala’s pilgrimage calendar, separate from the National Novena (13-21 August) and from Reek Sunday
• Enquiries: Diocesan Director of Pilgrimages, Rev. Tom Doherty C.C., Church Road, Belmullet, Co. Mayo, or the diocesan office on 096 21518

Getting There

Knock Shrine is just off the N17, close to Ireland West Airport Knock, and is well signposted from Claremorris, Castlebar and Charlestown. The Basilica has extensive on-site car parking, and Bus Eireann services connect Knock with towns across Mayo and beyond, particularly during pilgrimage periods.