St Nicholas' Collegiate Church
It is not known whether a church existed in Galway, prior to the construction of St Nicholas’ in c.1320. However, as construction of the city walls was under way by 1270, it is reasonable to assume that Galway’s population was sizeable enough to warrant a chapel of some kind. In 1484, having separated from the dioceses of Annaghdown, St Nicholas’ was granted collegiate status by Pope Innocent VIII. This essentially made the church independent of outside control and granted the mayor and city corporation the right to elect a warden and eight vicars.
For almost seven hundred years the church has borne witness to the fortunes and misfortunes of Galway city. The wealth and prestige of its medieval patrons are reflected within its fabric. Most notable is the legacy of the Lynch family. Their patronage during the 16th century is particularly evident. The church was considerably extended at this time. Indeed, very little of the original fabric which pre-dates the 16th century survives.
For almost seven hundred years the church has borne witness to the fortunes and misfortunes of Galway city. The wealth and prestige of its medieval patrons are reflected within its fabric. Most notable is the legacy of the Lynch family. Their patronage during the 16th century is particularly evident. The church was considerably extended at this time. Indeed, very little of the original fabric which pre-dates the 16th century survives.
St Nicholas’ Church may be considered the jewel in the crown of medieval Galway and continues to dominate the city’s skyline. Its resilience reflects the faith and dedication of its caretakers, the local Church of Ireland Anglican Community, to whom it provides a place of worship today.`