Legend of the Claddagh Ring: A Symbol of Galway

The Legend of the Claddagh Ring tells the story of the mystical and beautiful Claddagh Ring, first told over 300 years ago in the ancient fishing village of the Claddagh, outside the walls of the City of Galway. Passed down through the generations, this romantic story centers on a man named Richard Joyce and the ring he created. According to legend, Richard Joyce, a fisherman, was captured at sea by pirates and sold into slavery in Algeria shortly before he was due to be married. He became the property of a rich Moorish goldsmith, who, sensing his potential, began to train him in his craft. In time Richard Joyce became a fully proficient master craftsman, and with thoughts of the girl he had left behind close to his heart, he fashioned the first Claddagh Ring. The heart symbolizing love, the pair of hands representing friendship, and the crown for loyalty and fidelity. In 1689, after an agreement with King William III to release all his subjects held in slavery, Richard Joyce found himself once more a free man. His master, who had by now grown very fond of him, offered his only daughter in marriage and half his wealth if he would remain in Algiers, but Joyce declined and returned home to Galway. There he found that his sweetheart had waited for his return, and presenting her with the Claddagh Ring, they were married. The Claddagh Ring merges the basic 'clasped hand design' of Fede Rings with a heart and a crown signifying Love, Friendship, and Loyalty or Fidelity. At the Legend of the Claddagh Ring Visitor Centre, you can watch a short film that tells the story of how the Claddagh ring came to be and how it has been worn and passed on by generations of people from all walks of life. You will learn about the meaning of the design, which features two hands holding a heart topped by a crown. The hands represent friendship, the heart represents love, and the crown represents loyalty. You will also learn about the different ways to wear the ring, depending on your relationship status. The center is also a workshop where you can see how the rings are made by skilled craftsmen using traditional methods. You can even order your own custom-made ring or choose from a variety of styles and sizes available for purchase.