The Claddagh Ring Today, the ring is worn throughout Ireland this way. 1--On the right hand, crown in heart out, the wearer is free as the birds in the sky. If you want her, go a courtin'. 2--On the right hand, crown out heart in, the lass is spoken for, so lay off. 3--On the left hand, place of choice, heart in crown out, she is happily married for evermore.

The True Claddagh Story

Richard Joyce, a native of Galway, was being shipped by sea to be sold as a slave to a West Indies plantation owner. However, he was captured at sea by a band of Mediterranean pirates and sold to a Moorish goldsmith who taught him the craft of goldsmithing. When Joyce was released, he returned to Claddagh (in Galway) where he designed the Claddagh Ring. The year was 1689. Everybody loved it and still does.

The years passed. The great Famine of 1847-1849 causeed a mass exodus from the West, and with that exodus spread the fame of the Claddagh ring. These rings were kept as heirlooms, passed on from mother to daughter. Today, the ring is often used as a wedding band.

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If you prefer a bit of Celtic Lore

There's Dagda--the father of the gods--who had the ability to make the sun stand still. He represents the right hand of the Claddagh ring.

And, there's Anu. In early times she was the ancestral and universal mother of the Celts. She represents the left hand of the Claddagh ring.

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And, who knows, each story might be true . . .