Posts Tagged ‘claddagh’

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

Significant Symbols of Celtic Jewelry

Posted on: January 21st, 2010 by Sine Treanor No Comments

Celtic jewelry has been around for thousands of years. Originally crafted to adorn warrior’s shields, armor and clothing adornments, Celtic symbols have significant meaning and plentiful history. It’s no surprise, then, that these symbols found their way onto Celtic rings, bracelets, pendants and other pieces of jewelry. Some of the earliest pieces (200 B.C.) bear the traditional symbols still used widely today: the Claddagh symbol, the Trinity Knot (Triquetra) and the Celtic Cross.

The Claddagh ring is forged as two hands holding a heart that bears a royal crown. Each element of this symbol has significant meaning in Celtic historic and religious beliefs. The two hands symbolize friendship, a bond and cooperation. The heart symbolizes love, mutual adoration and an undying commitment. Lastly, the crown symbolizes a dedication and loyalty unmatched.

The Trinity Knot (Triquetra, or “Three-Cornered” in Latin) can hold different meanings. Most traditionally, the Trinity Knot symbolizes a religious connection to the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. It can be found not only in Celtic jewelry, but also in Celtic architecture, on ancient manuscripts and on shields of war from battles past. It can also be used to represent the bond of generations, such as daughter, mother, grandmother or even parents and child. The beauty of Celtic symbols is that they can be employed to signify many different themes and expressions of love.

St. Patrick is credited with creating the original Celtic Cross symbol. It is believed that he combined the traditional Christian cross with sun symbols used by Druids as a way to bridge the two religions to convince them to convert to Christianity. This blend of Christian and pagan symbols was controversial at the time, but has since come to mean much to the Celtic people and traditions.

Celtic wedding rings and engagement rings that bear these and other time-honored symbols are timeless tokens of your everlasting love. Buying a Celtic ring for your loved one is a reflection of your culture as well as your devotion. Many options are available and you can even create your own design from the symbols, stones and metal choice that mean the most to you and your relationship.

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