Knock To Balla

This trail can be walked in either direction. It is a fine walk following country roads that carry very little traffic. The trail is part of the longer Croagh Patrick Heritage Trail, a National Waymarked Way, which extends from the town of Knock, to the village of Murrisk at the base of Croagh Patrick.

Allow time to visit Knock Shrine, a Roman Catholic pilgrimage site and national shrine in the village of Knock, County Mayo, Ireland, where locals saw an apparition in 1879 of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint Joseph, Saint John the Evangelist, angels, and Jesus Christ (the Lamb of God). 

The remains of a medieval altar and a 12th-century round tower, which now stands approximately 10 meters high, are located just off the main square in Balla. These ruins were built on the site of a 7th-century monastery. The round tower is believed to have once stood at a height of 30 meters. 

• Trailhead / Start Point: Pope Francis Plaza, Main Street, Knock or the Square Balla.
• GPS Location: 53.7916, -8.9209 / 53.8046, -9.1306
• Direction: The waymarks are a yellow man on a black post
• Distance: 19.8 km
• Grade: Hard 
• Estimated Time: 5 hours
• Minimum Gear: Sturdy walking shoes/boots, waterproofs, mobile phone, snacks & fluids