Posts Tagged ‘claddagh rings’

Visiting Galway

Posted on: April 15th, 2010 by Sine Treanor No Comments

The third largest city in the Republic of Ireland, Galway is the fastest growing city in the country. Located on the west coast of Ireland, it’s the province of Connacht’s only city. Galway has become a popular weekend destination for Irish natives as well as a favorite vacation destination for tourists. The city has a lot to offer travelers from both near and far including a rich Gaelic culture, numerous festivals, lively pubs and restaurants, an engaging art scene, historical sights, shopping, theater and magnificent vistas. Situated between the Atlantic Ocean and Lough Corrib, it enjoys a mild, breezy climate that is welcoming to visitors.

View of Lough Corrib

View of Lough Corrib


Though a small city, Galway is not short on things to do. The center of town is great for walkers to tour and explore. A number of tourism kiosks offer advice on what to see and do as well as maps on where to go. Shop Street, the city’s main street, has a quaint medieval feel and is lined with pubs, restaurants and shops. Pubs are open quite late on the weekends and the nightlife can get rowdy with students and weekend travelers enjoying the festive atmosphere.

Located between Shop Street and Abbeygate Street, Lynch’s Castle is also a popular tourist destination. A limestone home built in the Irish gothic style circa 15th or 16th century, it is the only complete secular medieval structure left in Galway. Visitors can tour the ground floor (now operating as Allied Irish Bank) and view the history of the building. Other tourist spots include the Spanish Arch, Galway City Museum, Lynch Memorial Window, Salmon Weir Bridge, Eyre Square and Nora Barnacle House.

Lynch's Castle, Galway

Lynch's Castle, Galway


Just outside the walls of town is an old Irish-speaking fishing village known as the Gladdagh district. This was the birthplace of the famously Irish Gladdagh motif (also known as Claddagh), which features two hands holding a heart wearing a crown. This motif is most commonly seen on Claddagh rings, which have remained popular for several hundred years. According to tradition, women wear a Claddagh ring with the heart facing in if the are married and out if they are unmarried.

Steven Forsyth – Celtic Rings Ltd

Claddagh Rings: What Do They Symbolize?

Posted on: February 9th, 2010 by Sine Treanor No Comments

Classic Claddagh Ring
Even if you’re not familiar with the story of the Claddagh, you’ve likely seen the symbol of two hands holding a heart under a crown. This is the Claddagh symbol, and it carries a decadent history. Traditionally formed in a gold or silver ring, the Claddagh symbol is often given as a token of love (platonic or romantic). It can also be worn as an engagement or wedding ring. On a basic level, the Claddagh symbolizes friendship (hands), love (heart) and loyalty (crown). However, there is much more behind this symbol than the literal translation of its design elements. The story of its formation is as appealing as its intricate design.

Although there are many different versions, the most widely accepted story of the Claddagh’s origins begins in the 17th century, during the reign of Queen Mary II. According to legend, a young Celt named Richard Joyce left his native land of Galway to pursue work in the West Indies. He left his betrothed love in Galway, promising to return to marry her. During his journey, however, his ship was captured and he was sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith in Algiers. Here, he learned the crafts of metal work and goldsmithing.

After several years, William III ascended the throne as king and demanded that the Moors release all British prisoners. Joyce was freed and the goldsmith, having much respect for him, offered his daughter’s hand in marriage and half his wealth if Joyce would stay in Algiers. Joyce denied his offer, determined to return home and marry his true love. He forged a ring with two hands, a heart and a crown as a symbol of his never-ending love and devotion. Upon his return to Galway, he presented this ring to his true love and they were married.

Celtic jewelry pieces are timeless gifts that carry rich tradition. There are several expressions associated with this design, including “With my two hands I give you my heart, and crown it with my loyalty” and “Let love and friendship reign forever.” Giving a Claddagh ring to someone you care about is the ultimate symbol of your affection.

Steven Forsyth

The Goddesses of Celtic Myth

Posted on: September 1st, 2009 by Sine Treanor No Comments

The Goddesses of Morrigan
When the modern person thinks about Celtic culture thoughts are very general. We think about Claddagh rings and other Celtic jewelry, Irish instruments and songs and the foods that are associated with the Celtic culture. However, there is a much deeper celebration possible for people who are interested in Celtic history. That celebration is the spiritual celebration of the different Celtic myths that are important to the people of this heritage. In particular, Celtic women may be interested in learning about the goddesses of Celtic mythology.

Celtic mythology is interesting because it is a polytheistic mythology. In other words, the Celtic people believed in not just one God but in many different gods. They also believed in the power of women and therefore had numerous goddesses who were celebrated in their culture. Women today who are interested in Celtic mythology may want to study these goddesses to get a true sense of the feminine power residing within Celtic heritage.

The most well-known and oft-celebrated goddesses of Celtic myth is Morrigan, the goddess of both prophecy and war. She is one of the most interesting mythological characters because she doesn’t take the form of a woman but instead takes multiple forms throughout the different tales surrounding her story. Those forms include that of a crow, eel, cow and wolf. Women who want to celebrate this Goddess may seek to get Celtic jewelry that depicts any of these different animals.

Other popular goddesses in Celtic mythology include Brigid (a goddess associated with poetry and healing), Eriu (the goddess of sovereignty) and Epona (a horse-goddess). Any woman who finds herself seeking a Celtic guide may want to learn more about the different myths associated with these goddesses. This can provide a very powerful basis for pagan spirituality for some women. Sure, it’s nice to wear Claddagh rings and other Celtic jewelry, but it’s even better if there’s a bigger meaning behind wearing them. Learning about Celtic myth can help you to find that meaning.

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