Hire a car from Knock Airport
Ireland West Airport Knock in County Mayo is the perfect starting point for your journey around the west coast of Ireland. With its rugged coastline and town steeped in history, Knock is a beautiful introduction to what the Emerald Isle has to offer.
Whether you need to rent a car for a weekend, a couple of weeks or more, Avis has the solution and vehicle for you. From compact economy cars to spacious family saloons and premium luxury vehicles, we offer the latest models that cater to every taste and need.
Knock Airport has only one terminal. Our car hire services are easy to spot in the Arrivals Hall, on the left as you exit the baggage area. Here our car rental team will be waiting to hand over the keys to your chosen car and help you with any enquiries.
Take your time and drive out to the far-flung points of this charming part of the world. There are plenty of natural beauty spots, bustling market towns, and unique traditions to enjoy.
Beyond Knock Airport: Destinations Features
Explore Knock and the West of Ireland
With Galway to the south-west and Sligo to the north-west, you’ll be perfectly poised to take in some of Ireland’s finest sights, where roads hug the coast and you can enjoy miles of untamed beauty.
Knock Village
The village of Knock itself is rather small, but it’s been marked on the tourist map and pilgrimage trail thanks to one incident. In 1879 a vision of the Virgin Mary, St. John and a host of angelic figures appeared on the gables of Knock’s parish church. Today, the church is a shrine with modern marble statues of the apparition.
A trek to nearby Croagh Patrick offers a chance to appreciate the region's stunning scenery. The mountain site is where St. Patrick banished Ireland’s snakes.
Sligo, Donegal & Galway
Journey north from the airport towards the town of Sligo where you can glimpse the magnificent Ben Bulben mountain and stunning views across the Atlantic .
Sligo’s city centre has had a modern day makeover and now boasts a variety of great restaurants, shops and hotels. You’ll also find plenty of shops and boutiques selling authentic Irish crafts, including jewellery and pottery.
Other hidden gems in the Sligo area include Carrowmore, Ireland's largest cemetery that contains ancient tombs constructed of large stone slabs. A visit to Knocknarea leads to Queen Maeve's cairn and more stunning views of West Ireland’s natural countryside. Two miles from Sligo town is Lough Gill and the Hazelwood Sculpture trail. You’ll find outdoor sculptures from Irish and international artists, a quiet picnic area and beautiful lakeside views towards Innisfree (W B Yeats' island).
Head further to the north-west on the N15 and you’ll continue to enjoy the panoramic ocean views until you reach County Donegal. A visit to this part of Ireland is a must for drivers. Donegal lacks cultural sites such as museums and galleries, but a ride around the area itself provides stunning views and a great road trip adventure.
If you're heading south from Ireland West Airport Knock, you’ll be drawn to Galway. Head straight down the N17 and soak up the rich green landscape on offer. Galway is also known for its excellent seafood, traditional Irish dancing and use of the Gaelic Irish language.
No matter what direction you head from Ireland West Airport Knock, you’ll be sure to find a warm welcome from the locals, along with beautiful landscapes to keep you company on your journey.
Where to go from Knock Airport?
Knock Airport is the biggest airport in the West of Ireland and the perfect starting point for exploring both the town and the surrounding region. Start your adventure in Ireland as soon as you touch down at the airport. Pick up your rental car and discover the dramatic scenery of County Mayo, where there is a whole host of outdoor activities such as water sports, sailing, fishing, hiking and horseback riding.
A short drive from the airport down the N17 brings you to the Marian Shrine of Knock, where legend has it, an apparition took place during the late 19th century. From there you can drive west and cross over to Achill Island, which is connected to the mainland via a bridge, to discover pristine beaches and rolling countryside. A meandering coastal road weaves a magical path past much of County Mayo’s best landscapes and viewpoints such as Downpatrick Head and Keem Strand – an ideal way to spend your time savouring the region’s most striking scenery.
The Avis car rental desk is located in the Arrivals Hall of Knock Airport and our friendly team will be there to hand over the keys as quickly as possible.