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faith · Sunday 9 August 2026 · 10:00am 
Diocese of Meath Knock Pilgrimage
At Cathedral of Christ the King (bus departure point) · Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
At Cathedral of Christ the King (bus departure point) · Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
The Diocese of Meath’s 2026 pilgrimage to Knock Shrine falls on Sunday, 9 August, and Westmeath parishioners are travelling by coach from the Cathedral of Christ the King in Mullingar. This year’s pilgrimage carries extra weight, marking the 50th anniversary of Knock’s Basilica, and the diocesan programme at the shrine includes the Anointing of the Sick, a Mass celebrated by Bishop Tom Deenihan, and the Rosary procession that closes the day.
The bus leaves the Cathedral grounds in Mullingar at 10am for the journey west to County Mayo. At Knock, the day is built around the Anointing of the Sick at 2:30pm in the Basilica, followed by Mass at 3pm celebrated by Bishop Deenihan, and the Rosary procession afterwards. Pilgrims from parishes across the diocese travel on the same day, so the shrine grounds are busier than usual, with the 50th anniversary of the Basilica adding a sense of occasion to this year’s Mass. The day suits those seeking the Anointing of the Sick specifically, as well as anyone making a general pilgrimage, and return travel is included in the coach booking. Seats are limited and go through the parish office rather than being available on the day, so early booking is advised for anyone planning to travel.
The coach departs from the Cathedral of Christ the King grounds in Mullingar town centre at 10am. Knock Shrine itself is in County Mayo, roughly a two and a half hour drive from Mullingar, and all travel is by the booked coach rather than private car.
The Cathedral of Christ the King, where the pilgrimage departs from, is itself one of Mullingar’s landmark buildings and worth a visit outside pilgrimage days. There is more to see in Mullingar and across Co. Westmeath.
Heading to Cathedral of Christ the King (bus departure point) in Mullingar? Westmeath has plenty more to see. Read the Mullingar area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.