As Galwegian as the Spanish Arch or Eyre Square, St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church is the largest medieval parish church in the country still in daily use. It is a microcosm of all the storied heritage and culture that Galway has to offer, all in one building.
It recently celebrated seven centuries of existence, but construction is believed to have begun in the late 1200s. Older than the city of Galway itself, it has borne witness to the famine, fire and floods which marked the development of the city. It was the beneficiary too of generations of city prosperity and generosity from the famous Tribes of Galway, who stamped their legacy of civic philanthropy onto the church, expanding the aisles and transepts and having their ornate stone tombs built in the new wings.
Mounted on the walls, buried under the stone floor, or even within the stained glass windows, the church is steeped in local and national heritage.
The church is open to the public for both self-guided and guided tours, for those wishing to understand Galway’s story. If you seek a unique and memorable experience, take advantage of the Belfry tour which includes a trip up the 16th century spiral staircase, across the Leper’s Gallery and into the belltower where a lesson on campanology (bell-ringing ) and an opportunity to play the ten church bells awaits, heard all across the city.
To learn more about the church, visit www.stnicholas.ie
