Crowned by a pyramidal spire, the Collegiate Church of St Nicholas of Myra is Ireland's largest medieval parish church still in use. Dating from 1320, it has been rebuilt and enlarged over the centuries, while retaining much of its original form. Seafaring has long been associated with the church – St Nicholas, for whom it's named, being the patron saint of sailors. Indeed, Christopher Columbus reputedly worshipped here in 1477. During the day the church is usually all but empty and makes for a welcome escape from Galway's hubbub.
