The Dominicans arrived in Dublin in 1224, shortly after St. Dominic’s death. Invited by Archbishop Henry de Londres, they received a chapel on the north bank of the River Liffey for just one candle a year. Over three centuries, they thrived, even contributing to an attempt to establish Dublin’s first university in 1312. Their popularity was evident, as the feast of St. Dominic required the streets to be cleared of pigs for markets and processions.

Cromwellian Persecution: In 1539, the monastery was suppressed under Henry VIII, and its site became part of the Four Courts. Nevertheless, the friars continued their ministry in secret, facing imprisonment and martyrdom while maintaining their devotion.

Present Church Building: The current church on Dominick Street was consecrated in 1861 and designed by J.J. McCarthy, a prominent Gothic architect. Described as built “for the poor, devout, toil-hardened population,” it features impressive stone pillars and arches that still inspire today.

Recent Decades: In 1974, St. Saviour’s became the parish church for the local community and has served as the Studium for Dominican priests since 2000. It now also supports the Dominican Polish Chaplaincy and Spanish-speaking communities, making it an international church in Dublin’s heart.