Ireland West Airport Knock, located 5.6 kilometres southwest of Charlestown in County Mayo, serves as a key hub for travellers exploring Ireland’s west and northwest, with flights to 16 destinations operated by Ryanair and Aer Lingus.
Handling 828,764 passengers in 2024, the airport provides a compact and efficient environment, ideal for those seeking a hassle-free journey. Its welcoming atmosphere and practical amenities ensure passengers enjoy a straightforward travel experience.
Accessing the airport is convenient, with clear road connections from nearby towns like Charlestown, 10 minutes away, and Knock village, 20 kilometres to the south. The N17 road links the airport to Sligo, Galway, and Mayo, with driving times from Galway or Sligo around 45 to 60 minutes, though rural roads or adverse weather may slow travel.
Bus services, including Bus ةireann routes 64 and 440, connect to Galway, Sligo, and Westport, taking 40 to 90 minutes with fares from €10 to €15, but infrequent schedules require advance planning. Taxis, available outside the terminal, cost around €20 to Charlestown or €40 to Ballina, with pre-booking advised for reliability. Car hire desks from Budget, Avis, Europcar, and Hertz are located in the arrivals hall, offering easy access to vehicles for regional exploration.
The single-terminal, single-level layout is simple to navigate, with check-in desks, security, and departure gates all within a compact space. Passengers can move from entrance to gate in under 20 minutes, with security screening averaging five to 10 minutes due to efficient processes. A €10 airport development fee per departing passenger, payable at check-in, supports ongoing upgrades like runway resurfacing.
During peak summer periods, queues may lengthen slightly, so arriving two hours early for flights is recommended. Fog or strong winds, common in the region’s boggy terrain, can cause delays or diversions to airports like Shannon, so checking live flight updates via Flightradar24 or the airport’s website is advised.
Dining and retail options are practical for a small airport. The Slلinte Restaurant, airside on the first floor, serves hot meals, sandwiches, and drinks, while a coffee shop in the main concourse offers quick snacks. The Loop duty-free shop provides perfumes, spirits, and Irish souvenirs, with a small newsagent stocking travel essentials. An aviation gallery adjacent to the restaurant offers runway views and interactive displays, adding a unique touch for enthusiasts. For more dining variety, passengers may need to eat in nearby towns before arriving.
Facilities cater well to passenger needs. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, with charging points and ample seating in the departure lounge. Accessibility features include ramps, accessible toilets, and assistance services bookable through airlines for passengers with reduced mobility or hidden disabilities.
A customer service desk in the main concourse assists with transport and local information, while a bureau de change and ATM handle currency needs. Parking is straightforward, with short- and long-term car parks opposite the terminal, though daily rates of €9 can add up. Short-term parking offers one hour free for drop-offs and pick-ups.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with the airport’s focus on short-haul routes supporting punctual schedules. Recent data shows consistent operations, though weather-related disruptions or air traffic control issues can affect flights, particularly in winter.
For connections, the airport facilitates single-ticket transfers via Dublin or London Stansted, with minimum connection times of 45 minutes for domestic-to-international flights. Self-transferring passengers should allow extra time for baggage rechecking and customs, as Dublin’s Flight Connections Corridor does not cover baggage processes.
Ireland West Airport Knock delivers a functional and welcoming travel experience, with its accessible location, clear layout, and essential amenities ensuring passengers can start their journey with ease. Whether enjoying a meal at Slلinte, browsing duty-free, or exploring the aviation gallery, travellers can expect a smooth and efficient process.
