Marking Saint Valentine's Day or the Feast of Saint Valentine, RTÉ Archives take a look back at the customs and traditions associated with the 14th of February and how they have been represented on television and radio.
Love, romance, kissing, cards and flowers are all synonymous with Valentine's day. The Irish connection with Saint Valentine's Day is strengthened by the fact that relics of St. Valentine can be found at Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church, Aungier Street, Dublin. The relics were donated by Pope Gregory XVI. Each year on Valentine's Day, a special blessing of rings for couples planning to marry takes place at the Whitefriar Street Carmelite Church.
The accompanying image shows Zig and Zag wishing all their fans a Happy Valentine's day. This photo first appeared in the RTÉ Guide, 10 February, 1989.
“Dear Saint Anne, send me a man, a good one If you can”.
Deirdre McCarthy reports for 'Nationwide' on the myths, legends and religious practices surrounding St. Valentine’s Day.
Production Year
1996
Contributor
Deirdre McCarthy (Reporter)
VALENTINES DAY
Valentine's Day on O'Connell Bridge
'Youngline' reporters are out on O'Connell Bridge in Dublin's city centre where they ask passers-by for a Valentine's kiss.
Production Year
1980
Contributor
Hilary Orpen
Ultan Guilfoyle
VALENTINES DAY
"She's very funny and she's got fat cheeks."
Twink (Edel King) talks to children about love, kissing, boyfriends and girlfriends and whether they will send any Valentine's Day cards.
Production Year
1981
Contributor
Mike Murphy (Presenter)
Twink (Reporter)
VALENTINES DAY
"A frenzy of excitement... waiting for the postman"
Morning Ireland takes a look at what people think of Valentine's Day and celebrities talk about receiving Valentine cards.
Production Year
1985
Contributor
David Hanly (Presenter)
Fintan Drury (Presenter)
Gay Byrne
Thelma Mansfield
Pat Kenny
VALENTINES DAY
Saint Valentine, Cards, Relics, in Dublin
People on Grafton Street in Dublin's city centre talk about Valentine's Day and what it means to them. Tom McGurk also pays a visit to Whitefriars Church where the relics of Saint Valentine are preserved.
Production Year
1976
Contributor
Tom McGurk (Reporter)
VALENTINES DAY
Top 10 Tips For Romance
The top 10 tips for a romantic Valentine's Day. Flowers, perfume, cards, chocolates, love letters, poetry and cupid are all essential elements for that perfect Valentine.
Production Year
2002
VALENTINES DAY
Do You Send Valentine's Cards?
Aonghus McAnally discovers some of the views of RTÉ personalities on St. Valentine's Day.
Production Year
1984
Contributor
Aonghus McAnally (Reporter)
VALENTINES DAY
Valentine's Day Past
A look at the reputation of Irish men when it comes to love, romance and romantic gestures on Valentine's Day.
Production Year
2002
Contributor
Ian Lee (Archivist)
Jim Fahy
Brian O'Rourke
VALENTINES DAY
Songs and Poetry of Love and Romance
A Late Late Show Valentine’s Day special all about love and romance.
Production Year
1982
Contributor
Gay Byrne
VALENTINES DAY
History Behind St. Valentine’s Day
Reporter, Joe Little, finds out how some people spend St. Valentine’s Day, the feast day of the Patron Saint of young people and of love.
Production Year
2003
Contributor
Joe Little (Reporter)
VALENTINES DAY
Ireland's Most Romantic Elderly Couple
St Valentine's Day celebrations, the most romantic couple in Ireland and a protest for marriage equality by the support group Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender.
Production Year
2009
Contributor
Aisling Bastable (Reporter)
VALENTINES DAY
Earthlings Are In Love With Zig and Zag
Zig and Zag top the popularity stakes this Valentine's Day.
Production Year
1989
Publisher Broadcaster
RTÉ
VALENTINES DAY
Late Late Valentine Date
Gay Byrne appears on the cover of the Valentine's Day edition of the RTÉ Guide to promote the Late Late Show Valentine's Special.
However, following the tragedy of the 'Stardust' fire in the early hours of 14 February 1981 when 48 young people died The Late Late Show was not broadcast.
Production Year
1981
Publisher Broadcaster
RTÉ
VALENTINES DAY
How Love Struck Derek
Derek Davis appears on the cover of the RTÉ Guide 'Valentine's Day' edition in 1988.
Production Year
1988
Publisher Broadcaster
RTÉ
VALENTINES DAY
Gifts and Texting on Valentine's Day
A RTÉ News report looking at the changing patterns of consumption and commercialisation around Valentine's Day.
