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Ireland West Aiport Knock - In the last five years Ireland West Airport Knock’s position has been further strengthened as Ireland’s fourth international airport with a major increase in the number of passengers using the facility. Ireland West Airport Knock is the main international air access gateway for the West, North West and Midland regions of Ireland. The Airport has also experienced rapid developments and now serves more than 20 scheduled and charter destinations across Ireland, the UK, Europe and beyond. Ireland West Airport Knock is recognised as the preferred airport of choice within its catchment region because of the competitiveness, choice and value the Airport offers.
In response to the growth in passenger numbers, On 21 February 2007, the Irish Government announced that it was giving €27 million of capital grant money to Ireland West Airport.
Work commenced in 2008 on a number of significant civil and building projects including the new terminal expansion which was completed in March 2009. The implementation of Category II Instrumentation Landing Systems (CAT II ILS) on runway 27, which enhances the reliability of the Airport in low visibility conditions was completed in April 2009 and is now fully operational along with an extension to the Runway Ends Safety Areas (RESAs) and runway turnpad.
The programme will allow for the rollout of the Airport’s ambitious plans to improve safety and security systems as well as expanding the terminal building, the apron and aircraft handling facilities at the Airport.
Ireland West Airport Knock is fully committed to developing and providing valuable connections to and from global destinations for the West of Ireland, tourists, business commuters, friends and families. As an international gateway, Ireland West Knock offers first class tourism, business and investment opportunities in partnership with our customers, airlines, and tour operators. At Ireland West Airport Knock we strive to meet and exceed the high demands of international aviation, and we are proud to lead the way in creating a new age for air travel passengers in the West of Ireland.
Awards:
•Best Regional Airport 2005 (Ireland Chamber of Commerce Awards)
•Best Regional Airport 2006 (Ireland Chamber of Commerce Awards)
•Federation Aeronautique Internationale Honorary Group Diploma 2007 (National Aero Club of Ireland)
•Chamber Recognition for Industry 2008 (Mayo Business Awards)
Ireland West Aiport Knock
Knock Shrine - On the wet Thursday evening of the 21st August, 1879, at about 8 o'clock, Our Lady, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist appeared in a blaze of Heavenly light at the south gable of Knock Parish Church. Behind them and a little to the left of St. John was a plain altar. On the altar was a cross and a lamb with adoring angels. The Apparition was seen by fifteen people whose ages ranged from six years to seventy-five and included men, women and children.
The witnesses described the Blessed Virgin Mary as being clothed in white robes with a brilliant crown on her head. Over the forehead where the crown fitted the brow, she wore a beautiful full-bloom golden rose. She was in an attitude of prayer with her eyes and hands raised towards Heaven. St. Joseph stood on Our Lady's right. He was turned towards her in an attitude of respect. His robes were also white. St. John was on Our Lady's left. He was dressed in white vestments and resembled a bishop, with a small mitre. He appeared to be preaching and he held an open book in his left hand.
The witnesses watched the Apparition in pouring rain for two hours, reciting the Rosary. Although they themselves were saturated not a single drop of rain fell on the gable or vision.
Today Knock Shrine is an international place of pilgrimage and prayer where over one and a half million pilgrims come every year. The Shrine groundsincorporates five churches, including the Apparition Church, Parish Church/Old Church, Basilica, Blessed Sacrament Chapel and Chapel of Reconciliation. Other facilities include a Religious Books’ Centre, Caravan and Camping Park, Knock House Hotel and Knock Museum. All of these are set in beautiful landscaped gardens of approximately 100 acres creating an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity.
Services at the Shrine include: daily public devotions and masses with Anointing of the Sick, Confessions and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament; professional Counselling Service; Youth Ministry; Prayer Guidance; Rest and Day Care Centre for welcome and hospitality; St. Joseph’s for the sick and disabled; Family Life Centre; Shrine Offices where pilgrims can enrol family and friends in the Knock Shrine Friends’ Association masses. Lay and religious staff and volunteers of the Knock Shrine Society are involved in all these services.
“Today, people are searching for ways to reach out to God and to connect with him. Knock Shrine can facilitate people in that search and offers many opportunities for worship and prayer for stillness and peace in our souls – all so necessary in our busy and sometimes hectic world.
Our Lady’s Shrine at Knock can help pilgrims experience healing, freedom, reconciliation and peace.
Knock Shrine