Knock, a small town in County Mayo, Ireland, renowned as a sacred pilgrimage site for Catholics worldwide, has recently become the center of controversy. A significant number of its buildings are being sold to accommodate facilities for international protection applicants, sparking outrage among local residents and pilgrims alike.

The move comes amidst Ireland’s efforts to address the rising need for asylum accommodation due to increased global migration. While the government emphasizes the importance of meeting its international humanitarian obligations, many in Knock feel their town’s unique identity and spiritual heritage are being undermined.

Knock holds a special place in Irish Catholicism. It was here in 1879 that 15 witnesses reported an apparition of the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, and St. John the Evangelist. Since then, it has become one of Ireland’s holiest sites, attracting over one million pilgrims annually. The Basilica of Our Lady of Knock, standing as a symbol of faith and devotion, is a central draw for visitors.

However, locals argue that the influx of international protection facilities in the town threatens its sacred and cultural significance. Many buildings that once housed pilgrim services or local businesses have been sold, with plans for conversion into housing and resources for asylum seekers.

The tension came to a head on Sunday, January 19, 2025, when a substantial crowd of concerned residents gathered to voice their discontent. They fear that the town’s identity as a place of pilgrimage and prayer is being “destroyed” by what they perceive as unchecked development.

“This isn’t about opposing people seeking refuge,” said one attendee. “It’s about preserving what makes Knock special—a sacred place for generations of Irish people and pilgrims around the world.”

Government officials have defended the sales, citing the urgent need to provide shelter and support for those fleeing war and persecution. Still, the local opposition highlights the delicate balance between accommodating humanitarian needs and maintaining the integrity of culturally and spiritually significant locations.

We spoke to a local resident on Sunday, January 19, 2025, who shared her thoughts about the changes happening in Knock. She expressed deep concern about the town’s transformation, emphasising its sacred nature and the community’s frustrations. Her voice note, which you can listen to below, captures the sentiment of many who turned out that day.