The Claddagh Ring – the symbol of love and friendship
 
The Claddagh
Ireland’s unique symbol of love, takes its name from a small fishing village overlooking Galway Bay.  A misty fable tells of a master goldsmith, Richard Joyce who lived there over 400 years ago, was swept to slavery by Pirates, and eventually won his freedom.  On returning to his beloved village he used his fine skills to create the Claddagh – a heart, symbolising love, cradled in two hands of friendship, crowned in a promise of loyalty.