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Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church is a 14th-century medieval church located in the heart of Galway. Having stood proudly in the same site for over 700 years, to say this place has a few stories to tell is an understatement. Back in the 1400s, it’s believed that the church even received a visit from Christopher Columbus himself. Nowadays, the church provides a welcoming space where people gather to worship at one of their daily sermons, enjoy a guided tour or attend a magical Candlelight concert.
Just a stone’s throw from the historic Lynch’s Castle and Galway Train Station, the church is located slap bang in the middle of the city, so it’s super easy to get to. If you’re traveling on public transport, you can take the 251, 456 or 51 bus and hop off at the Francis Street Opp Abbey Church bus stop.
Facts, Curiosities and Interesting Things about Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church
1. Making headlines in Ireland
Back in 2002, the church made headlines across the country for holding the first ever blessing of a same-sex partnership in an Irish church. The ceremony was celebrated as a positive symbol of change, but also received a lot of criticism and backlash at the time.
2. A very fitting name
The church is dedicated to St Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of children and sailors. Renowned for his secret gift giving, the saint is the main inspiration behind the figure known today as ‘Santa Claus’. What’s more, considering Galway’s status as a port, it only feels right that the patron saint of seafarers gets some recognition through one of the city’s oldest buildings.
3. Historic visitors from far and wide
According to local legend, before setting off on one of his earlier attempts to reach the New World, Christopher Columbus prayed in the church in 1477 during his visit to Galway. A few hundred years later, Oliver Cromwell’s troops used the church as a stables for their horses after the 1652 siege of Galway.
Candlelight concerts at St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church
Candlelight concerts have enchanted audiences inside this beautiful church on many occasions. Spellbinding tributes to contemporary stars like Adele, Taylor Swift and more modern-day hitmakers have dazzled inside this historic site. What’s more, famous bands like Queen and Coldplay have also received the magical Candlelight treatment here. Thousands of twinkling candles light up these mesmerising concerts and dazzle audiences with their magical charm, and you won’t want to miss out on the magic.
What else can you do at St. Nicholas’ Collegiate Church?
If you’re planning your visit in advance, you can arrange for one of the church’s representatives to take you on a guided tour of the church. They’ll show you around and share their wealth of knowledge on the church’s architecture, history and more. And with the help of your guide, you’ll discover some of the church’s most interesting artifacts including a 12th-century crusader’s tomb, a 15th-century stone lectern and more.
This season, Candlelight continues to shine its light on Saint Nicholas’ Collegiate Church – a cherished Galway landmark that’s sat in the heart of the city for over 700 years. The church provides a historic and intimate setting for the Candlelight series thanks to its magnificent blend of history and architectural beauty, and you don’t want to miss out on the magic of these unforgettable candlelit concerts here.