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The Claddagh Ring: Meaning & History

Written by Ciaran Vipond on Aug 23, 2022 | 19 Comments

What Does "Claddagh" Mean?

The Claddagh ring, or An Fáinne Cladach in the Irish language of Gaelic, is a famous symbol of Love, Loyalty, and Friendship. The Gaelic word, "Cladach", means rocky beach or shore. This quite literally means that the ring is named after the West of Ireland, where it originates.

The History of the Claddagh Ring

The first Claddagh Ring was made in Galway over 400 years ago in a small fishing village called Claddagh. The identity of the original designer is a matter of some debate, with Richard Joyce held to be the most likely candidate.

The Meaning of the Claddagh Ring

Love, Loyalty & Friendship / Grá, Dílseacht agus Cairdeas (Gaelic)

The meaning of the Claddagh is perfectly encapsulated in the phrase “Love, Loyalty & Friendship”, or if you prefer to speak gaelic, “Grá, Dílseacht, Cairdeas” (pronounced “Graw, Deal-shocked, Core-jass”). The unique design is a combination of three symbols:

The Heart represents Love
The Crown represents Loyalty
The Hands represent Friendship

The versatility of the Claddagh has allowed this design to achieve worldwide fame as a token of love and friendship. The ring is often offered in celebration of romantic love, such as a promise ring, engagement or wedding ring or band. Equally, the ring can be worn as an emblem of an enduring friendship. Many more wear the Claddagh as a memento of a trip to Ireland, or as a beautiful reminder of their Irish heritage.

What is not in doubt is that the design was inspired by Roman "Fede" or "Gimmel" rings. These rings featured the hand & heart symbols, but lacked the ‘Crowning characteristic’ of the Irish Claddagh ring. See an example of a gold fede or gimmel ring the British Museum website.

How to Wear a Claddagh Ring

Over the centuries a number of myths and legends have built up around the Claddagh ring. One of the most enduring stories surrounds how to wear the Claddagh ring to signify whether or not your heart is taken. Watch our handy video below to learn all about it, or read our blog about How to wear your Claddagh ring.

Love, Loyalty & Friendship, Made in Ireland

A melding of centuries old Irish tradition and symbolism, cherished by those with a romantic heart.

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Ciaran Vipond

Ciaran Vipond

My Irish Jeweler

Born in Co. Antrim and reared in Dublin, I was fascinated with Gaelic culture from an early age. I suppose it's not surprising given my mother inherited a grá for the Irish language from my grandfather, an Irish school headmaster. And that grá continues! My brother and sister are now Gaelic teachers here in Ireland, my niece is an award winning Irish dancer, and I proudly work to share Irish culture through our Irish and Celtic Jewelry at My Irish Jeweler!

I love researching and reading about the history of Irish design. It's at the core of what we do here at My Irish Jeweler. I find much of it so interesting that I have to share what I find. I hope you enjoy it!

Comments

Maureen

I love that you put a whole story of the Claddagh ring and its history for all to read. Both my husband and I have roots in Galway and we decided to use our new Claddagh rings for wedding bands,

Jane ChadwickMaureen

Hi Maureen, thank you for getting in touch. Really nice to hear that you appreciate our blog. Also great to hear that you are continuing the tradition of exchanging Claddagh rings as a symbol of love and commitment. They make perfect wedding rings, especially for someone with family ties to Ireland and Galway! Once again thanks for getting in touch and hope your Claddagh rings bring you a lifetime of love, loyalty and friendship together.

Louise Wasily

I love the history and the jewelry. I purchased a Claddagh and ring for my daughter not long ago and will be getting another for myself soon. I love reading the history and stories!

Liz MaguireLouise Wasily

Thank you for reading, Louise! We're so glad to have you here learning and sharing with us. The Claddagh is a fantastic choice and we're so pleased to read that you and your daughter will someday share the design. All the best from Dublin, Liz.

Maureen

As an adopted child in the US, I knew nothing of my origins. However, with red hair and green eyes I was often told I must be Irish. I studied Celtic lore and culture, and even tried to learn Gaeilgé, and proudly wore the Claddagh. In my 60's, my family found me. I am Irish indeed and my family still lives in Ireland. The values espoused by the Claddagh were and are my north star, so this symbol of my heritage is very near and dear to my heart.

Liz MaguireMaureen

Thank you, Maureen. There's no doubt that the Claddagh has played a special part in your story. Thank you for sharing with us -- it's lovely to hear that you are connecting with your Irish roots. Cheers from Dublin, Liz.

Tina Warden

I wear my moms. She passed away in September so I wear it in remembrance.

Liz MaguireTina Warden

Thank you Tina, for sharing. Our thoughts are with you. It's lovely to know how the Claddagh has touched your life.

Teresa Muhlfeld

Yes! I, and my husband both wear the sterling silver men’s Claddagh that we purchased from My Irish Jeweler. It’s a beautiful work of art, and the men’s ring is the perfect “statement” diameter for me that brings pleasant compliments and comments. I get to tell people about My Irish Jeweler and I never take the ring off. It’s representative of my heritage and gives me a sense of belonging.

Liz MaguireTeresa Muhlfeld

Hi Teresa, how wonderful to hear from you! Hello from Dublin. Thank you for your kind words and for sharing your story. We're just delighted to hear that you're enjoying the ring and that you have such a strong connection with it. All the best, Liz.

Kathleen Camp

I wear The Claddagh, PROUDLY! My wedding ring, and my husbands, is a beautiful example for us these 25 years. I’m actually rebuilding my ring as it was stolen during my dear mothers funeral!! Seriously. (I know the thief and he shall burn!!) It has taken these last 4 years - finally finding one on a trading website. I wear it now saving my penny's for the diamond, channel-set eternity bands I had soldered top and bottom. (Diamonds and gold are a scary price compared to 25 years ago. ) Eirin go bra’ch!!

Liz MaguireKathleen Camp

Hi Kathleen, it sounds like you certainly have your sights set on your next ring! We're sorry to hear you were separated from your original Claddagh under stressful circumstances but hope that this next chapter will bring news with it. If there's anything we can help with, give a shout! We'd only be too glad to. All the best from Dublin, Liz.

Kathleen Shingledecker

I saw this beautiful Claddagh ring and showed it to my son. He purchased it for his wife for anniversary. She has supported him during his military career, raised my grandchildren, often left at home as he severed our country. The ring reflex all that is beautiful when one finds their “person” love, loyalty and friendship. Thank you

Liz MaguireKathleen Shingledecker

Kathleen, what a romantic story! Thank you for sharing. It certainly sounds like the Claddagh represents so much for your son and daughter-in-law. We're so honored to hear their story. Keep well, Liz.

Sheila Kelleher-Abad

ABSOLUTELY! THE ANSWER IS
LOVE LOYALTY & FRIENDSHIP
MY FRIENDS Peter and Claire know from over the years and ALLL MYstoryies I have raised my 4 sons ( now 24, 27, 28, 29) since they were babies on these 3 VALUES!!!❤️☘️

So I hope I win!!!!

Liz MaguireSheila Kelleher-Abad

That's right Sheila. We're so glad you continue to choose My Irish Jeweler. We appreciate it! Be sure to enter our weekly competition for a chance to win in the future. Cheers from Dublin, Liz.

Leslie Foreman

The Claddagh. I love the symbolism that the Claddagh represents, and I love the beauty, and the simplicity of its design.

Jane ChadwickLeslie Foreman

Well said Leslie! We love the Claddagh for it's symbolism and beautiful design too.