The Heart of Dublin: St Valentine’s Day
The restaurants are fully booked, the florists are working overtime, and there is a distinct scent of chocolate in the air.
Usually, when people think of the patron saint of love, they picture Italian piazzas and ancient Roman basilicas. But if you are living in Dublin, you might be surprised to learn that you are closer to the saint than you think.
In fact, you can go and visit him this afternoon.
For those getting to know their new city, here is one of Dublin’s best-kept secrets: St. Valentine is (partially) a Dubliner.
The Secret of Whitefriar Street
If you walk down Aungier Street in Dublin 2, just a few minutes from St. Stephen’s Green, you will pass a grey stone church that blends quietly into the streetscape. This is the Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church.
Inside, in a side altar to the right, lies a reliquary vessel containing the heart and some of the remains of St. Valentine.
How did they get here? It isn't a myth; it’s a documented piece of history. In 1835, a captivating Irish preacher named Fr. John Spratt visited Rome. He was so famous for his eloquence that he drew huge crowds, and Pope Gregory XVI was reportedly so impressed that he decided to gift the Irish priest something special.
That gift was a small vessel tinged with the blood of St. Valentine.
The relics arrived in Dublin on November 10, 1836, and have remained there ever since. While the church is peaceful most of the year, on February 14th, it comes alive. Couples gather to have their rings blessed, and single people write their requests in a book left by the shrine, hoping for a bit of divine intervention in their love lives.
It is a wonderful, quirky reminder that Dublin is a city of layers. You can walk past a building a hundred times and never know the history that lies inside.
The Claddagh Ring: An Irish Language of Love
Of course, you can’t talk about romance in Ireland without mentioning the Claddagh Ring.
If you are new to the country, you will see these distinct rings everywhere: two hands holding a heart, surmounted by a crown. Originating in the fishing village of the Claddagh in Galway, the design represents Love (Heart), Friendship (Hands), and Loyalty (Crown).
But the real secret is in how you wear it. It acts as a subtle status update for anyone in the know:
Right Hand, Heart Facing Out: You are single and your heart is open.
Right Hand, Heart Facing In: You are in a relationship; your heart is "captured."
Left Hand, Heart Facing In: You are married.
It is a design classic that has been worn for over 300 years, and it makes for a perfect, meaningful gift if you are celebrating your first Valentine's Day in Ireland.
Falling in Love with a Place
Buying a home is a lot like falling in love. You get butterflies when you see the "For Sale" sign; you start picturing your future together; and sometimes, you have to compromise to make it work.
Whether you are spending this weekend visiting the shrine in Whitefriar Street, exchanging Claddagh rings, or just enjoying a quiet dinner in your local neighbourhood, we hope you love where you are.
Happy St. Valentine’s Day from the GoldGro team.