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How to Pronounce the Word "Claddagh"

Written by Ciaran Vipond on Dec 06, 2019 | 4 Comments

The claddagh ring is a unique Irish design that celebrates the virtues of Love, Friendship & Loyalty.

But how do you pronounce this difficult word? Press play below to hear two different ways to say Claddagh.

The Origin of the Word Claddagh

The word Claddagh is the anglicized form of the gaelic ‘Cladach’, old-Irish for ‘seashore’. The claddagh ring is named after the ancient fishing village of Claddagh, in Co. Galway, Ireland. The town itself is named after the stoney seashore on which it was built.

Pronouncing "Claddagh"

The gaelic spelling of the word tells us that ‘Cladach’ was originally pronounced [klad-ukh] and sounded out with a hard, guttural ending common to Irish words.The word is now more commonly pronounced without the ‘gaelic touch’ as [klad-uh].

An Irish Promise

Whether you’re looking for a ring to celebrate a birthday, engagement, anniversary or another special occasion a claddagh ring is recognized as a promise ring.

The features of the ring—hands, crown and heart—represent Love, Friendship and Loyalty. Worn by men and women alike, a claddagh ring is a timeless reminder of a promise made between the wearer and gifter.

There’s hardly a more symbolic gift you can find!

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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

Jane Chadwick

Maureen! I'm very sorry - not sure how we missed your comment. The truth is you can wear your Claddagh however you like. But there are superstitions about which way round and which hand to wear it on. We have a whole blog for you https://www.myirishjeweler.com/blog/how-to-wear-your-claddagh-ring/ Once again sorry about missing you. And Ciaráns name sounds different depending on where you are in Ireland. KEER-awn with the little accent over the second A or keer-an without. Thank you for your interest.

Maureen

thanks for the pronunciation of claddagh, as i have 2 rings, one silver, one gold, and is it right to wear with point of heart toward body if married? and away if single? also, wondering how you pronounce your name...soft c somehow...