Dominican Church, Limerick

The Dominican parish church of Saint Saviour is located in Baker Place at the upper end of Glentworth Street in Limerick. This historic church serves as the parish church for Saint Saviour's parish, which was established by Bishop Henry Murphy in 1973. The church, a significant landmark in Limerick, has a rich history intertwined with the Dominican Order's presence in the city.

The Dominicans were originally established in the old Saint Dominic's Abbey, the ruins of which are preserved on the grounds of Saint Mary's Convent, near King John's Castle. Despite being expelled in 1541, they continued to operate secretly in Limerick. They returned openly in 1730, and by 1815, they had moved to Baker Place. The church at this location was initially constructed between 1815 and 1816, under the leadership of Fr. Joseph Harrigan.

Saint Saviour's Church is a Gothic-style building, originally designed by the Pain brothers. A notable renovation by architect John Wallace between 1861 and 1864 added a clerestory, increasing the church's height by 20 feet. The church's foundation stone was laid on March 27, 1815, with significant figures like Dr. Tuohy, Bishop of Limerick, and Father Provincial Patrick Gibbons in attendance.

The church interior features several chapels and statues, including the Sacred Heart Chapel (Carbery Chapel), Saint Anne, the Child of Prague, and a side altar for Saint Joseph. Stained glass windows depict Dominican saints like Saint Thomas Aquinas and Saint Albert, along with Saint Mary Magdalene and Saint Luke the Evangelist. The church houses frescoes of the Stations of the Cross and paintings of Dominican saints by Fr. Aengus Buckley. A significant artifact is the 17th-century statue of Our Lady of Limerick, linked to Patrick Sarsfield and hidden during English persecution.

Saint Saviour’s Church maintains several historic chalices, with the oldest dating back to 1639, contributing to the rich historical and spiritual heritage of the church. These artifacts, along with the various commemorations and artworks, underscore the church's significance as a religious and cultural landmark in Limerick.