A gift of love crafted in Ireland, the Claddagh echoes a tale of devotion retold over the centuries. Learn about the Claddagh ring legend, the meaning of Claddagh symbol, and the Claddagh area in Galway.
Claddagh Legend
Claddagh Ring Story
Its origin is associated with one of the tribes of Galway, the Joyce family. Local fisherman Richard Joyce was due to marry his love, a local girl, but was captured by Algerian pirates and sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith, where he learned the trade. Many years later, he was released from slavery, and despite being induced to stay, he returned to Galway and his sweetheart, who had waited for him. The legend goes that he presented her with the first Claddagh ring and they got married. Forged with the skills he had learnt during his imprisonment, it was a token of his enduring love. "With these hands, I give you my heart, and I crown it with my love".
Claddagh Ring Meaning
Irish Claddagh ring ('Fáinne Chladaigh' in Irish), is used in Ireland as an engagement, friendship and wedding ring. The Claddagh symbol is an iconic, timeless Irish design consisting of two clasped hands holding a crowned heart, where the heart means love, the hands symbolise friendship, and the crown represents loyalty.
The Claddagh is a unique area right outside the old city walls of Galway, just across the river from Spanish Arch. It was originally a fishing village, the fisher-folk who resided there forbidden to use 'spade or hoe', and who were ruled by an elected 'King of the Claddagh'. The Claddagh community would have the main supplier of seafood to Galway city right up until the 19th century. It is also the home of the legend of the iconic Irish Claddagh ring.
Popular Claddagh jewellery
We have been handcrafting iconic Irish Claddagh rings since 1941. Explore the Claddagh jewellery collection from Solvar.
