[5] The idea behind the construction of Knock Airport was through Mr Sher Rafique, a multi millionaire during the 80s.

The site, on a hill in boggy terrain, was thought by many to be unrealistic, but the airport was built following a long and controversial campaign by Monsignor James Horan,[5] the story of which has even inspired a musical.

Despite criticisms that the site was too boggy and too foggy, Horan delivered an airport within five years, primarily financed by a Government grant of £9.8 million.

[5] 2007 was a notable year, with scheduled transatlantic services to New York and Boston commencing in May, operated by the now-defunct Flyglobespan.

[11] During September 2011 Ryanair celebrated its four-millionth passenger through the airport, while Lufthansa announced it would be commencing weekly flights to Düsseldorf in May 2012.

[12][13] In November 2011, Ryanair announced flights to Beauvais-Tillé, Frankfurt-Hahn, Bergamo-Orio al Serio and Girona-Costa Brava from March 2012.

Budget carrier BmiBaby announced in May 2012 that it was to axe its only route to Birmingham from 10 June, owing to the airline's takeover by IAG.

On 31 October 2013, in response to the scrapping of the Irish travel tax, Ryanair unveiled three new routes from Knock to Glasgow-Prestwick, Kaunas and Eindhoven.

[15] It was announced in November 2017 that €15 million would be invested in improving and upgrading the airport in 2018 and 2019, to coincide with strong passenger growth.

[16] These plans include upgrading of car parks, passenger facilities, the terminal and resurfacing of the runway.

Bus Éireann airport services:[34] The nearest railway stations, accessible by taxi and bus are: The proposed reopening of the Western Rail Corridor from Claremorris onto Sligo would ultimately have closer railway access to the airport.