How do you say the word Claddagh?

First things first, we will start with a different question from the list above. How to pronounce the word Claddagh? Practice your pronunciation with our video below. There is a little Irish flourish you can add in there, most people in Ireland would say "Klad-aah" - similar to "Ta-Da" - easy once you know how.

Is it Bad Luck to Buy Yourself a Claddagh?

While we are on the topic of buying a Claddagh for yourself, we really do need to address this idea! We are really not sure where this superstition came from but this is certainly not the case that buying your own Claddagh is bad luck!

We've had the pleasure to help many people treat themselves to a Claddagh over the years. To celebrate a new job, a big trip to Ireland, or once very memorably, as a reward for painting a laundry room!

Do You Have to be Irish to Wear a Claddagh?

Which lead's us on nicely to "Do I have to be Irish to wear a Claddagh?" Definitively - NO! As we mentioned above, people have all sorts of reasons for wearing a Claddagh, and Irish heritage is just one!

Many love the design for it's beauty and romantic symbolism and it has been spotted on more than a few famous hands!

Can I Wear a Claddagh Ring if I'm Single?

Yes of course! There is even a tradition about how to wear a Claddagh ring to indicate that you are "unattached!" Whether you want to wear a Claddagh to indicate your relationship status is entirely up to the wearer. So whether you've purchased the ring for yourself, been given a Claddagh by a close friend or are sporting one as an Engagement ring -- the way you wear it is ultimately up to you!

Remember earlier when we talked about how Walt Disney was a fan of the Claddagh? Legend has it that he preferred to wear it in a different orientation than would suggest his married status. Even his statue in Walt Disney World has his Claddagh pointing the “wrong” direction if you are to go by the old tradition! Perhaps Walt had never heard the tale? Or maybe he just found that orientation most comfortable?

Can you wear a Claddagh if you are a man?

Well you already know that Walt Disney was a fan! So yes of course men can and do wear Claddagh rings! It's still very common to see men in Ireland wearing Claddagh rings and the style is only growing in popularity. They are often given as gifts from family members for 18th or 21st birthdays these days. We know many men in their forties who were given a Claddagh ring on such occasions and who never took it off!

If you want an idea of the (male) company you may keep by wearing a Claddagh ring, the following list may help and there are plenty more on our list of famous fans of the Claddagh:

Daniel Day Lewis - The triple-Oscar winning actor was born in Britain but has lived in Ireland since the 1990s; he loves the country so much that he now has Irish citizenship.

Bono - hardly surprising, we suppose, given that he fronts one of the most famous Irish rock groups in the world!

Gabriel Byrne - Golden-voiced Gabriel, born in Dublin, is one of our most famous Hollywood faces and a proud wearer of a very substantial Claddagh ring.

Colin Farrell - From his younger, more rebellious days, he's become a fine actor and representative of Ireland

John Wayne - Perhaps his notion of country and western was the Irish west coast where the design originated?!

President John F. Kennedy - JFK purchased a set of Claddagh rings when he visited Galway City with Jackie in 1963. He wore his ring often as a tangible reminder of his eight Irish grandparents.

President Ronald Regan - He was presented with a Claddagh ring when he visited Ireland and wore it regularly.

The Gallagher Brothers - they of Oasis fame. The brothers are sons of Irish immigrant parents and spent many summers in Ireland as kids. So hardly surprising that they have been spotted wearing Claddagh rings - including in one of their music videos. Noel wears a gold Claddagh in the video for their hit "Don’t Look Back in Anger" and may even have a collection of Claddaghs with a ruby studded version too!

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Comments

Quinn

My girlfriend is an Irish Canadian, and a Catholic. She wears her Claddagh ring every day, as she's done for years. I'm looking at getting her a piece of jewelry that could either compliment or go with her ring. One thought I had was to buy her a Claddagh pendant necklace, or a pair or Claddagh pendant earrings, but I'm unsure if that would seem redundant given she already has a ring. Would you happen to have any recommendations? It would be as a birthday present.

Liz MaguireQuinn

Hi Quinn, Well! This sounds like a treasure hunt we'd be happy help you with. I've passed your details on to our Customer Service team and they'll be in touch with a few recommendations shortly. It's brilliant that you're looking to honour your partner's heritage -- we're so glad you wrote to us! Cheers, Liz

Joan

Love my claddagh rings my husband bought me for our anniversary a few years ago. I have one with my birthstone and a wedding band he bought at a shop in Savannah, Ga called Saints and Shamrocks. I am not sure if where he purchased my birthstone claddagh as he was deployed overseas at the time. I will check out your website! And good luck to who ever the winner of your gorgeous trinity pearl necklace! I’m sure it will become a beautiful heirloom.

Liz MaguireJoan

Hi Joan, What a wonderful memory! We're so glad to know that you love the Claddagh like we do. Please don't ever hesitate to be in touch if we can help in any way. Cheers, Liz.

Patrick

My father recently passed away. Many years ago, my mother gave him a Claddagh ring, but he didn't immediately return the favor and by the time he got around to doing so, he kind of botched it and my mom didn't want it anymore. She's still kind of sad about that.

She is deeply saddened by his death, and I was wondering if it would be considered appropriate to give her a Claddagh ring.

Liz MaguirePatrick

Hi Patrick, Thank you for your note. I have emailed your privately but yes, a Claddagh can be gifted between family members. I hope you'll let me know if there's anything I can help with. Liz.