Collegiate Church of St Nicholas

Did you know that? Galway has one of the best preserved medieval churches in all of Ireland! Built in 1320, the Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas, this church is a small jewel of architecture and history… Always very active, it still welcomes believers and tourists every week…

History of the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas

A remarkably preserved church

Galway’s medieval church was built in honour of St Nicholas of Myre, the patron saint of sailors. It has always played an important role for the city. As well as being a place of worship, it has also been the venue for the triennial mayor and council elections. At the time, candidates for these posts were all men and belonged to one of Galway’s 14 great families.

Over the centuries, the church obtained the official status of college, thanks to a papal bull in 1485. Constantly restored, improved, and maintained, the church has survived to the present day.

It was even the first church in Ireland to perform a same-sex marriage in September 2002, which created an endless controversy within the city and the Church of Ireland.

Visit the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas

A church that has preserved its historical heritage

The place is accessible to visitors, but pictures of the interior of the church must be rare. You will then be able to admire the exceptional and remarkably preserved architecture. Although frequently restored, the site has kept its authenticity and its history. Its large openings offer a great luminosity within the building, and a large massive organ thrones magnificently above the entrance…

The place is quiet and quite nice to discover. Be careful however not to disturb the faithful: the corner is still a place of worship …

So much more to discover...