Anything but a Fridge Magnet: Claddagh Rings
Looking for the perfect Irish souvenir? Skip the fridge magnet. A Claddagh ring comes with history, heart, and a built-in relationship status update.
So, you’re looking for best souvenir in Ireland? I hate to burst your bubble, but it won’t be that magnet you were eyeing at the airport. If you’re bringing one thing home from Ireland, besides a camera roll full of sheep, Guinness, and cliffs, make it a Claddagh ring.
It is more than just a cute piece of jewelry, this ring holds centuries of history, Irish tradition, and more than a few love stories. It’s a symbol of loyalty, friendship, and love, and yes, how you wear it says a lot about your relationship status (more on that in a sec). Whether you’re wandering the streets of Galway, shopping for souvenirs in Dublin, or road-tripping along the Ring of Kerry, you’ll see Claddagh rings in just about every window. But not all are created equal.
So, let’s get into it: What it means, where it came from, and how to find the right one for you.
So…what is a Claddagh ring, exactly?
The Claddagh ring is a traditional Irish ring made up of three symbols:
A heart (for love)
A crown (for loyalty)
And two hands (for friendship)
This ring dates back over 300 years, to a tiny fishing village just outside Galway City, in a village called Claddagh (cute, right?). It’s believed the original design was created by a local man named Richard Joyce, who (plot twist!) was captured by pirates, sold into slavery, and eventually learned goldsmithing before being freed and returning home to Galway. Instead of becoming bitter, he made a ring. For love. #legend tbh.
How to wear a Claddagh ring (without accidentally cosplaying a married person)
This is not your average accessory—how you wear it is important:
On your right hand, heart pointing out (away from you): You’re single and ready to mingle. This represents an “open heart.”
Right hand, heart pointing in (toward you): You’re taken (dating, engaged, situationship…you decide). This represents a “closed heart.”
Left hand, heart pointing in: You’re married or engaged. Congrats! Hope you had a castle wedding on the Emerald Isle.
The best place to buy a Claddagh ring? Galway. Hands down.
If you want the real thing, head to Galway. This is where the ring was born, and it’s still the best place to find one with some actual history behind it.
Allegedly, the Claddagh Ring was first sold by Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Gold. It’s the oldest Claddagh ring maker in the world, and the shop has been around since the 1700s. There’s even a little museum in the back if you’re into that sort of thing. (You might not be when you walk in, but you will be by the time you leave.)
Every ring they sell comes with a certificate of authenticity and a serious dose of Irish pride. If you want the iconic “this is the OG” ring, this is it.
If you ask me, though, I would tell you to go to A and D Jewelers, who also has a claim to the “first” Claddagh ring. This shop does not show up on maps, but is located at the start of Quay Street in Galway. The owner and ring maker is one of the kindest people (and also the old mayor of Galway). Beyond the story behind the shop and its ring makers, A and D offers a bigger and more authentic selection than any other jeweler in Galway (and more affordable at that). One ring I want to highlight is their Pride Claddagh that they created in 2015 when same-sex marriage was legalized in Ireland. The ring is a silver band with the Claddagh in the center, surrounded by rainbow jewels. Beyond their Claddagh rings, the shop also created a Galway ring engraved with the 10 Galway symbols, and an inscription of “watch the sun set over Galway bay” on the inner part of the ring.
Another option, if you are wanting unique non-traditional Claddaghs and other jewelry, my favorite store is Silverwood. They have deconstructed Claddaghs (think four rings that connect), birthstone Claddaghs, and mixed metal Claddaghs, all at an extremely affordable price.
And honestly, worse comes to worse, you can always buy one in the airport (they’re always real silver and won’t turn).
TL;DR: Here’s why you should get a Claddagh ring in Ireland
It’s the most iconic Irish souvenir. Period. It tells a story about love, loyalty, and friendship (and pirates??)
How you wear it = your relationship status.
It makes a perfect gift for someone you love (or yourself).
You can find one that fits your style and your budget.
So, if you’re wondering where to go in Ireland or looking for the best things to do in Ireland, add “buying a Claddagh ring” to your list. You’ll walk away with more than a souvenir. And if you’re wearing it heart out…who knows who you’ll meet next?
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