Galway Ireland- the Home of the Irish Claddagh Ring

Most people who recognize the symbol of the Claddagh associate it with the nation of Ireland. Yet, the history of the Claddagh can be specifically traced not just to Ireland, but to its county of Galway. Galway Ireland is the birthplace of the Claddagh and is still celebrating this creation today.

Approximately 400 years ago the Claddagh was designed by a Galway native and goldsmith named Richard Joyce. Joyce hailed from the small Galway fishing village of Claddagh (which means “village situated near the sea shore.” When Joyce designed the first Claddagh for his true love, the ring quickly became popular in the small village and greater Galway. Native Irish people used it as a wedding ring and many became family heirlooms. But, it was not until the middle of the last century that the ring starting gaining international attention.

One of the biggest boosts to the Claddagh’s worldwide fame came in 1963 when the President of the United States John F. Kennedy and his wife Jackie visited Galway. While in Galway the most famous Irish American in the world – and his wife – were presented with matching Claddagh rings. Following the Kennedy visit, Galway became a prime tourist destination and the world began to learn the significance and history of the Claddagh ring.

Today, many jewelers in Galway Ireland continue the great tradition of crafting Claddagh rings started by Richard Joyce. Tourists visit Galway to choose their own Claddagh rings and the Claddagh is visual in many other ways as well. For example, Galway is home to the Galway Arts Festival, Ireland’s largest and most prestigious annual arts festival. The world premiere of films at the Galway Arts Festival are shown in the Claddagh Palace. There are also businesses of all genres in Galway which now boost the Claddagh name – from jewelry stores to pubs.