Whitefriar Street Church

Church · Rathmines

1

@atlasobscura

"John Sprat was an Irish Carmelite that was known for both his abilities as a preacher and dedicated work with the destitute in the city of Dublin. While visiting Rome, his fame had apparently preceded him, and he became hot on the Jesuit circuit, giving sermons and receiving tokens of esteem from his peers. One of the more impressive tokens he was gifted was the remains of Saint Valentine by Pope Gregory XVI, which had recently been uncovered during grave restorations. Sprat brought the Reliquary containing the relics to his Whitefriar Street Church in Dublin, where they remained popular until the death of their popular procurer. With the death of Sprat, the relics went into storage and were not venerated until the church went through restorations in the 1950’s or 1960’s. Both an altar and shrine were created and are now watched over by a statue depicting the saint holding a crocus (carved by Irene Broe). Today, the shrine is popular with couples who come to pray for St. Valentine to watch over their lives together, and to celebrate the feast day of February 14th which includes the Blessings of the Rings for those about to marry. The reliquary is placed on the high altar and venerated at the Masses. So what does this particular collection of St. Valentine relics contain? According to an inscription on a gold plate attached to the casket: This shrine contains the “some” of sacred body of Saint Valentinus together with a small vessel tinged with his blood. All of the relics are held in a small, wax-sealed box, which is tied with a silk ribbon. The smaller box always remains sealed, and it’s stored inside a casket, which is periodically opened to make sure that the smaller box is still safely tucked inside." - ATLAS_OBSCURA

Where in the World Is Saint Valentine?
Jaszmina Szendrey (Atlas Obscura User)

56 Aungier St, Dublin 2, D02 YF57, Ireland Get directions

whitefriarstreetchurch.ie

1 Postcard

See full details

More Places For You

Chapter One Restaurant

Fine dining restaurant · Phibsborough

Chapter One is a Michelin-starred gem tucked beneath the Dublin Writers Museum, where chef Mickael Viljanen wows with French-influenced dishes crafted from seasonal Irish ingredients, all served in an intimate, artful setting that feels warm and welcoming.

8 Postcards

Farmer Browns Bath Avenue

Cafe · Irishtown

Taste the best of Irish soul food with a Southern twist in a charmingly quirky spot, perfect for indulgent brunches and cozy lunches.

0 Postcards

The Temple Bar Pub

Irish pub · Ringsend

The Original Temple Bar Pub bursts with life, offering a vibrant mix of Irish craft beer, live music, and a legendary atmosphere that invites both locals and tourists to revel in its historic charm.

4 Postcards

herbstreet

Restaurant · Ringsend

Nestled by the Grand Canal, this cozy cafe offers a delightful brunch with a vibrant menu of local, sustainable dishes, perfect for sunny afternoons or lazy weekends.

0 Postcards

La Maison

French restaurant · Ringsend

Classical French dishes combined with Gallic wine list in elegant but casual old Europe dining room.

1 Postcard

L'Ecrivain Restaurant

Modern French restaurant · Ballsbridge

This Michelin-starred gem elevates seasonal Irish ingredients with a French touch, delivering exquisite tasting menus in an inviting atmosphere.

4 Postcards

Smock Alley Theatre, 1662

Performing arts theater · Phibsborough

One of the world's oldest theatres in sympathetically restored original space and church buildings.

0 Postcards

Etto

Modern European restaurant · Ballsbridge

Tucked away near the National Gallery, this cozy, intimate eatery boasts clean decor, a robust Mediterranean wine list, and exquisite, seasonal Italian dishes that are always a delight.

1 Postcard

Brother Hubbard (North)

Brunch restaurant · Phibsborough

A charming, spacious café in Dublin serving high-end home-baked treats and a delightful mix of seasonal lunches, perfect for brunch with friends.

6 Postcards

Brooks Hotel

Hotel · Rathmines

Sophisticated quarters, some with balconies, in a plush hotel offering a restaurant & a lounge bar. This sophisticated hotel is 2 minutes' walk from the shops along Grafton Street and 9 minutes on foot from Dublin Castle. Plush rooms come with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, as well as designer toiletries, minifridges, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Suites add sitting areas and balconies, and upgraded suites have separate living rooms. Room service is available 24/7. There's a modern restaurant, a cafe and a lounge bar. There's also a private cinema and a gym.

2 Postcards