The Story of The Irish Claddagh

The story of the Claddagh Ring is a story we tell every day at Tipperary but it begins 500 years ago on the west coast of Ireland in a tiny fishing village outside the ancient city walls of Galway, a village known as Claddagh.

Each morning the men would set sail into Galway Bay in their tiny curraghs with hopes of a great catch. In the bay the wind could be strong and the seas high but there were other dangers too. As was oh so common at that time, pirates stalked the bay. One fateful day a family of fisherman was at sea. Sadly the men were captured by pirates and promptly sold into slavery. Richard was the youngest of the lot and was soon to be married, but alas he was forced to leave the Claddagh and his beloved behind.

Richard was sold to a goldsmith on the north coast of Africa where he was forced to tend the fires. The goldsmith eventually took a liking to him and began teaching him the trade of goldsmithing. A smart Irish lad and a quick study, Richard learned his trade quite well. A day never passed that Richard did not yearn to be home in The Claddagh with the lass he left behind. The thoughts of love and home inspired Richard. Each day he hoarded a spec of gold from his master. When enough gold had been stored he made a ring, a beautiful ring, a ring with true meaning. In his ring he combined three symbols - at the center a heart signifying his love, the heart was embraced by hands signifying his friendship and the two topped by a crown to mark loyalty to his love.



Today Claddagh rings are given in families and by friends but most often bought by the wearer for themselves to connect with their Irish heritage. Worn on right hand with the heart facing in is often taken as a sign that the wearer is in a relationship. Worn on the left hand with the heart facing towards one's heart, it is a traditional sign of commitment. Modern Claddagh designs are used as engagement ring and wedding rings. Many, many of those Claddagh designs are available at Tipperary Stores and Worn with the heart pointed out it is generally assumed that the heart is the wearer is available.



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