"Let love and friendship reign forever"
The Claddagh Ring is associated with the Claddagh fishing village Galway City. Though at the time of its origins the Claddagh was a fishing village on the outskirts of the city in the 17th Century. The ring symbolises love (heart), Friendship (hands) and Loyalty (crown), they were precious heirlooms in the Claddagh and passed from generation to generation. They grew in popularity in America and worldwide when people immigrated in the late 1800's after the famine and the tradition of passing on the ring became popular amongst other Irish outside of Galwegians. There is a similar design in Dublin called the fenian ring designed much later but with no crown, to show that they were not loyal to the King of England, but these never were as popular.
It is considered unlucky for a girl to buy her own Claddagh ring, she will remain single if she does! There is also a certain way it has to be worn, with the obvious wearing it on the left hand if worn as a wedding band. But it the wearer is not married it must be worn on her right hand, if her heart is taken she must wear the ring with the point of the heart facing inwards towards her hand, if she her heart is not taken then it points out.
Picture was taken by findabair
