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

Generator Dublin

Hostel · Phibsborough

Nestled by the Old Jameson Distillery, this vibrant hostel features cozy private rooms, lively dorms, and a chic bar, perfect for meeting fellow travelers.

4 Postcards

The Workman's Club

Live music bar · Rathmines

Tucked away in Dublin’s Temple Bar, The Workman's Club is a vibrant haven for live music and quirky performances, drawing a laid-back crowd eager for indie sounds and good vibes.

1 Postcard

Guinness Storehouse

Brewery · Kilmainham

At the Guinness Storehouse, immerse yourself in the captivating story of Ireland’s iconic stout through interactive exhibits, tastings, and a pint enjoyed from the spectacular rooftop Gravity Bar with panoramic views of Dublin.

9 Postcards

The Brazen Head

Irish pub · Kilmainham

Step into Dublin's oldest pub, where brass accents and cozy lanterns set the stage for hearty meals and nightly live music in a vibrant atmosphere.

4 Postcards

Cliff Townhouse Restaurant

Restaurant · Ballsbridge

A chic Georgian townhouse hotel with exquisite rooms and an acclaimed restaurant serving fresh seafood in a charming setting, perfect for dates or relaxed stays.

3 Postcards

Barnacles Hostel Dublin

Hostel · Ringsend

In the heart of Dublin's lively Temple Bar, this colorful hostel offers cozy rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a friendly vibe perfect for night owls and adventurers alike.

0 Postcards

Variety Jones

Irish restaurant · Kilmainham

At Variety Jones in Dublin, experience an exceptional tasting menu with meticulously crafted dishes, attentive service, and expertly paired wines in a cozy yet vibrant atmosphere.

4 Postcards

Guinness Open Gate Brewery

Brewery · Kilmainham

Experience the vibrant Guinness taproom with unique craft beers, engaging tours, and stunning city views—it's an unmissable Dublin destination!

4 Postcards

Anantara The Marker Dublin

Hotel · Ringsend

Nestled in the vibrant Docklands, this chic hotel boasts spacious, stylish rooms, a relaxing spa, and top-notch service, perfect for unwinding after city adventures.

5 Postcards

Iveagh Garden Hotel

Hotel · Rathmines

Polished rooms in a cosy hotel featuring a restaurant/bar and historic garden views. This warm hotel in a brick building next to historic, landscaped Iveagh Gardens is a 2-minute walk from a tram stop and a 7-minute walk from the shops along Grafton Street. Polished rooms with marble bathrooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and tea and coffeemaking facilities. Snug rooms with glass-enclosed rainfall showers are available, as are suites that come with balconies offering views of the gardens. There's a cosy restaurant/bar. Breakfast is available for a fee.

2 Postcards