Claddagh wedding rings are one of Ireland’s most recognisable wedding ring designs, combining three enduring symbols: the heart for love, the hands for friendship and the crown for loyalty. Our collection of Claddagh wedding rings includes traditional and contemporary designs in gold and sterling silver, with styles suitable for both men and women. Explore our collection online or visit our Dublin wedding ring shop in The Powerscourt Townhouse Centre to view the rings in person.
The Claddagh is particularly suited to a wedding ring because its three symbols represent qualities at the heart of a lasting relationship. The heart represents love, the hands represent friendship and the crown represents loyalty. Together, these elements make the Claddagh a meaningful symbol of commitment and partnership.
Claddagh Wedding Rings
Claddagh Wedding Rings
Claddagh Wedding Rings
Claddagh Wedding Rings
The Claddagh ring is thought to have evolved from a Fede ring, which features the distinctive heart and hands, without the crown. The Claddagh Ring, as we recognise it today, originated in late 17th or early 18th century in the small fishing village of Claddagh, just outside the walls of Galway City. The design is attributed to Richard Joyce, who learnt his craft while enslaved in North Africa. Upon his release, he returned to his native Galway, where he became a successful and prosperous goldsmith.
Joyce settled back into life in Galway, residing on Shop Street in the center of the walled town. He was clearly successful in his trade, as he later purchased the Rahoon Estate from Colonel Whaley, one of Cromwell’s officers. Joyce firmly established himself as part of the city’s mercantile class. Two of his daughters were married into two of Galway’s most prominent families; the Lynches and the Frenches. Both families members of the Tribes of Galway.
It was not until the mid-1800's that the Claddagh ring became well known. The popularity of the name can be traced back to a Irish travel book published in London in the 1840’s. The authors, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel Carter Hall wrote about the people of Claddagh as follows, 'They have many peculiar customs. One is worthy of special note. The wedding ring is an heirloom in the family. It is regularly transferred by a mother to her daughter first married and so on to their descendants. These rings are largely of solid gold and not infrequently cost from two to three pounds each'
Single: Right hand with heart facing outwards.
Relationship: Right hand with heart pointed inwards.
Engaged: Left hand with heart pointing outwards.
Married: Left hand with heart facing inward.
Choosing a wedding ring is much easier when you can see and try different designs in person. Visit The Wedding Band Shop in the Powerscourt Townhouse Centre, Dublin 2, to view our collection of Celtic wedding rings. We can help you compare widths, metals and styles and find a ring that sits comfortably alongside your engagement ring, or compliments your style.
