I've heard there's a connection between Ireland and St Valentine – what is it?
The links between Ireland and St Valentine are stronger than you can imagine! During the 19th century, an Irish priest named John Spratt – known for his skills as a preacher and also for his work among Dublin's poorest – was rewarded by the Pope with a relic of St Valentine after impressing many in Rome. The relic in question were the remains of the St Valentine himself.
The priest then brought this sacred relic back to Ireland and, to this day, it can be found in the Whitefriar Street (now known as Aungier Street) Carmelite Church on the south side of Dublin's city centre.
Today, the shrine is visited by couples who ask St Valentine to watch over them in their lives together, as well as those hoping to find that special one. The Shrine to St Valentine is also the spot where those getting married can enjoy a special 'blessings of the rings' on February 14th.
Given we're the home of St Valentine, you'll be glad to learn that there's more than just one or two love stories on this island of ours...
just take a look!