Collegiate Church of St Nicholas of Myra

Church in Galway

Galway-St Nicholas
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Gerd Eichmann

Established in 1320, the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas of Myra in Galway, dedicated to the patron saint of children and the inspiration behind Santa Claus, remains the largest medieval parish church still operational in Ireland and stands as a prime example of Gothic architecture. Over the years, it has undergone various architectural modifications and restorations, incorporating multiple styles and thereby preserving an intricate record of the city’s history. Notably, it is believed that Christopher Columbus visited this church in 1477 to pray before embarking on his journey to the New World. Today, St Nicholas’ Collegiate Church continues to be a vital part of Galway’s heritage, serving both as a place of worship and a community hub, as well as a compelling historical attraction for visitors.


The Collegiate Church of St Nicholas of Myra appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Galway!

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Visiting Collegiate Church of St Nicholas of Myra

Address: Saint Nicholas' Collegiate Church, St. Nicholas Collegiate Church, Lombard Street, Galway, Ireland
Duration: 20 minutes

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