inSPIREd Sunday

Sally and Beth host inSPIREd Sunday!

The Collegiate Church of St. Nicholas is the largest medieval parish church in Ireland in continuous use as a place of worship at the heart of Galway's life.

I couldn't get a decent outside photo as the Saturday market was taking place right outside the gates. So I am using one from the National Archives of Ireland taken in the late 19th century.

St. Nicholas’ Church is old and big and beautiful, and sits right in the middle of the medieval centre of Galway city. It is dedicated to St Nicholas of Myra, patron saint of children (Santa Claus) and of mariners. There is some disagreement about when it was built, but it was certainly finished by 1320.


There are many interesting and entertaining monuments and memorials in the church. Look out for Galway’s Jane Eyre, a virtuous and pious parishioner, who in 1760 bequeathed £300 to the corporation to give bread to 36 ‘poor objects’ for ever. What happened to the £300 is unknown.

Eyre is a very common Galway name.The main square in the centre of town is Eyre Square.

For such an old building it has a very warm feel to it. It is vibrant and full of displays.

 I loved how the sun reflected off the cross.

High above the north aisle is perched the Lepers’ Gallery which gives access to the Belfry. The name is inaccurate – Galway Corporation firmly banned any sufferers from the disease from entering the city.