The Claddagh Ring

Not far beyond the paved and cobbled steets of Galway City and along Galway Bay lies Claddagh Fishing village where the ring originated from. Traditionally the ring and its design was a symbol of the "Fishing Kings of Claddagh", which meant, "in love and friendship let us reign."

The design is striking, with two hands joined together to support a single heart, and upon it a crown. The rings history dates back several centuries. Richard Joyce who was born in Galway was transported by sea in order to be sold as a slave to the Barbados plantation owners. During the voyage the sea conditions became dangerous and Richard Joyce was taken by a group of Algerian Pirates. As a result of his capture Richard was sold to a Moorish goldsmith. It was here that Richard learned his skill as a goldsmith.

In 1689, King William III is crowned King of England and sends a Diplomat Algiers to free all British subjects. R.Joyce is set free and comes back to Galway where he starts his own shop in Claddagh. It was here that Joyce designed the magnificent ring. The locals loved the ring.

Many years pass by and in 1845 - 1850 The great Famine of results in mass starvation and then mass migration from the West of Ireland. As the people of the West of Ireland scatter the world in search of food so does the Claddagh Ring. The ring was of such importance to the locals that they were passed on as heirlooms. Some of which, bearing Joyce’s distinctive trademark, still exist today.

So it is that the true history of this, the most famous of Irish rings, remains elusive shrouded by a cloak of myth and folklore.

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