In 1124 the High King of Ireland, Tairrdelbach Ua Conchobair, constructed ‘Dun Bun na Gailliamhe’ meaning ‘fort at the mouth of Gaillimh’.
The present name of Abhainn na Gaillimhe, meaning River of Galway, is now referred to as the River Corrib. A small settlement grew up around this fort, however, due to the fort being also a maritime base, it was attacked numerous times by other Gaelic tribes. In 1230 a new wave of settlers, the Anglo-Normans, arrived on the western shores of Ireland. Under the command of Richard de Burgo, the Anglo-Normans took over ‘Dun Bun na Gailliamhe’ and built their castle, Bungalvy Castle, immediately on top of it. The construction of the city wall from 1272 onwards meant that the new settlers could start building a town without the fear of a Gaelic attack. It was around this period when the first foundations of the church were built.
Founded by the Anglo-Normans…see the tomb of the ‘Crusader’.
Construction of the Burke family Castle, or ‘Bungalvy Castle’, on Quay Street.
Construction of the medieval city walls.
Earliest recorded mention of St. Nicholas’ Church.
Visit of Christopher Columbus before voyage to the Americas.
Pope Innocent VIII confirms Collegiate status.
Expansion of the Church by the Merchant Families or ‘Tribes of Galway’.
Baptismal font dating to the late 16th century and still in use.
End of Cromwellian Siege…see the defaced monuments.
Interesting gravestones…find the Shoemaker’s Tomb.
Regimental Monuments…see battle standards of the Connaught Rangers from the Peninsular Wars (1808-14).
Stained glass installation of beautiful east & west windows in memory of the Persse and Fleetwood-Berry families.
Installation of the three-faced steeple clock for the city.
Celtic Cross…a monument to the Great War
Original Bells, dating back to the 1590s recast in the 1930s
Transfiguration Window designed by John Francis Hogan
Our 700th Anniversary
Take a tour of the church and walk through the ancient aisles with an historian, or climb the famous bell tower and ring the ancient bells for all of Galway to hear.
