Let love and friendship reign! - a worthy wish and the motto of the famous Claddagh ring. The Story of the Claddagh Ring takes its name from the Claddagh, an ancient fishing village now part of Galway city. It is a place steeped in legend and lore but no relic has a more dazzling history than the ring that originated there, comprising two hands surrounding a heart and surmounted by a crown.
Tradition has it that in the Claddagh these rings were handed down from mother to daughter. The earliest examples that can be dated are thought to be from about 1700 but it is known that the rings were popular much earlier than this. The Story of the Claddagh Ring tells the story of the ring, the Claddagh, and the city, and provides a fascinating and memorable account of the myths and the history surrounding one of Ireland's oldest love tokens.
