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.
The years slowly passed and eventually Richard either escaped captivity or was mercifully
released, no one really knows for sure. What we do know is that he made his way across the
oceans, across the continents, and finally across Galway Bay to the Claddagh. To Richard’s
great joy when he arrived home he found that the girl he loved had never married. With tears of
joy in his eyes and trembling hand he presented to her the ring he had crafted half a world
away and the two lived happily ever after.
But our story does not end there, it cannot end there, because not only is it a lovely
story, but it is the birth of one of Ireland most endearing traditions. The tradition of the
Claddagh is now known in every corner of the earth. It is a story and a tradition with such
meaning that it captivates all of us 500 years later. Today the Claddagh Ring is worn as a
symbol of Love, Loyalty and Friendship, just as Richard intended. It also signifies a kinship
to the history and traditions of Ireland.
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 ShopTipperary.com. Worn with the heart pointed
out it is generally assumed that the heart is the wearer is available.
A genuine Irish Claddagh is one that is crafted by artisans in Ireland, has been assayed in
Dublin Castle and hallmarked by the Irish Assay Office at the castle. The Irish Hallmark is
your symbol of quality and is an Irish tradition as old as the Claddagh itself.