St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church in Galway is a 14th-century medieval church located in the heart of the city. 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 guided tours and more.
Facts, Curiosities and Interesting Things about St 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.
What 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.
Candlelight concerts have enchanted audiences inside St Nicholas’ Collegiate 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.
FAQs
Is the church wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the church entrance has a ramp at the entrance for wheelchair users.
When do the sermons take place?
Sermons take place on Wednesdays at 10:30am and Sundays at 9am, with a later mass at 11am.
How to get to St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church
The church is located slap bang in the middle of the city on Lombard Street, 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.
Nearby Venues
St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church is located just a stone’s throw from the historic Lynch’s Castle and Galway Train Station. This season, Candlelight continues to shine its light on St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church – a cherished Galway landmark that’s sat in the heart of the city for over 700 years.