Buy an authentic Irish Claddagh Ring in the place where it all started - Galway! The Claddagh Ring is one of Ireland’s most iconic and meaningful symbols, representing love, loyalty, and friendship through its timeless design of two hands clasping a crowned heart. Whether worn to show commitment or independence, the Claddagh Ring continues to charm people around the world. Discover where to get yours here...
How to wear your Claddagh Ring
Originating in the historic fishing village of Claddagh in Galway, this cherished piece of Irish jewellery continues to captivate wearers with its deep symbolism and romantic traditions. The Claddagh Ring’s famous motif of two hands clasping a crowned heart, can be explained with the phrase: Let Love and Friendship reign. If the ring is worn with the crown pointing towards the fingernail, the wearer is said to be in love or married. When worn with the heart pointing to the fingernail, it signals that the wearer is unattached.
"The hands are for friendship
The heart is for love
And loyalty is shown
With a crown up above."
The History of the Claddagh Ring
An ancient ring steeped in tradition, the Claddagh Ring’s origin is wrapped up in myth and legend. If you’d like to read the most popular story behind its creation, tap here. Additionally, to see the oldest known Claddagh Ring in existence, visit the Galway City Museum near the Spanish Arch. This incredible piece of Galway’s history dates from c.1700 and was made by renowned Galway goldsmith Richard Joyce. For more information on this exhibition, visit the museum in person or check out their website here.
Wearing the Claddagh Ring became increasingly popular outside of Galway in the mid-20th century. It remains the only ring made in Ireland to be worn by Queen Victoria, and later by Queen Alexandra and King Edward VII. Over the years, many notable figures have worn the ring, including Maureen O’Hara, John Wayne, Walt Disney, Prince Rainier of Monaco, and Princess Grace Kelly.
Today, the ring remains a timeless gift that people around the world wear as a symbol of love, friendship, and loyalty. If you would like to take home a piece of living Galway history, here are our top 5 picks for where to buy a Claddagh Ring.
above: Claddagh Necklace from Fallers Jewellers | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Fallers Jewellers
Claddagh Pieces include: rings, earrings, pendants, bracelets and wedding bands
The makers of the iconic Fallers Claddagh Ring since 1879, Fallers Jewellers are a family-run business through and through. Beginning with a door to door clock salesman, the story of Fallers Jewellers is a fascinating tale of the evolving jewellery industry in Galway. Over the years, they have welcomed clientele from all over the world, notably two of their most famous visitors were John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy, who were presented with a pair of Fallers Claddagh Rings during their visit to Galway in 1963. Nowadays, they are known for their spectacular range of gold and silver jewellery and also have a large collection of Claddagh rings, bracelets, earrings and necklaces.
Address: 10/12 Williamsgate Street, City Centre
Shop online
Heart in Hands
Claddagh Pieces include: rings, earrings and necklaces
If you want to carry a piece of Galway with you always, visit the jewellers that specialise in creating Claddagh Rings - Heart in Hands. This cute jewellery store gets its name from the iconic design of the famous ring so it won't surprise you to learn about the extensive care that goes into making each unique piece. The team designs and tweaks their own moulds before casting, in order to ensure the finest detailing in each design. As well as their Claddagh rings they also offer a stunning range of necklaces, earrings, ornamental pieces and more.
Address: 13 High Street, Latin Quarter
Shop instore
Learn more about Heart in Hands and their sister jewellers Foxford here
above: photo courtesy Thomas Dillon's. The only jewellers with the right to have original stamped on their Claddagh Rings.
Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Gold
Claddagh Pieces include: rings, broaches and necklaces
Thanks to its unique design, fascinating history, and sentimental appeal, the Claddagh Ring's popularity grew with time, leading many versions of the ring to be created. However, Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold in Galway is the only jewellers in existence with the exclusive right to have “original” stamped on their Claddagh Rings. Established in 1750, Tomas Dillon’s Claddagh Gold is one of the oldest jewellers in Ireland. They take great pride in the quality of their rings, and if the Claddagh Ring you’ve purchased with them ever needs a repair or polish, they’ll happily take care of it for you.
Address: 1 Quay Street, Latin Quarter
Shop online
above: Claddagh gemstone Earrings at Foxford Jewellers | photo by Ciarán MacChoncarraige
Foxford Jewellers
Claddagh Pieces include: rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces
Crafting intricate designs and custom-made jewellery since 1995, Foxford Jewellers is a contemporary Irish jewellery manufacturer that specialises in silver, gold and platinum pieces. A family business with a keen eye for detail, their expert craftspeople are always on hand if you need a little extra guidance and advice when finding your perfect jewellery piece. This Galway jeweller produces a number of gorgeous handcrafted Claddagh design collections from dainty Claddagh earrings to elegant Claddagh gemstone pendants and of course the famous Claddagh Ring.
Address: Corbett Court Shopping Centre, Williamsgate Street, City Centre
Shop online
above: photo courtesy of Claddagh Jewellers. At this store master craftsmanship lies behind every design.
Claddagh Jewellers
Claddagh Pieces include: rings, wedding rings and pendants
Known as the home of the Claddagh Ring in Galway, Claddagh Jewellers offers an impressive range of rings, from Claddagh wedding rings and Claddagh birthstone rings, to more traditional styles of the rings. All of their jewellery is manufactured in their own Galway workshop, using methods ranging from the traditional lost-wax casting to modern stamping techniques. They also provide a bespoke, fully handmade jewellery service which is perfect for those in search of unique engagement or wedding rings.
Address: 25 Mainguard Street, Latin Quarter
Shop online
Main image by photographer Ciarán MacChoncarraige, taken at Fallers Jewellers.
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