The Irish Claddagh symbolizes - friendship, love, and loyalty. (Hands = friendship, Heart = Love, Crown for loyalty)

| Celtic Tattoo Home | Symbol Meanings | Tattoo Designs | Bibliography |

Claddagh

In the early 16th century, a week before he was to be married, an Irish man (Richard Joyce) was fishing off the coast of Galway. His carrack (boat) capsized and he found himself captured by pirates. They took him to West Africa and sold him into slavery to a Moorish goldsmith. After several years passed, Richard escaped captivity. He traveled to Ireland to find that the girl who he was to marry was still single and he shaped a ring for her. He forged the Claddagh ring with three symbols. The first Claddagh symbol was that of hands, which signified friendship. The Claddagh hands were holding a heart, which signified love. The Claddagh heart he topped with a crown, which signified loyalty. Richard married the woman he loved and gave her the Claddagh ring. They settled in the village of Claddagh (hence the name). The village no longer exists but the symbolism of the ring Richard made does. Still today, the Claddagh ring is worn as a sign of love, loyalty, and friendship.

Irish Claddagh ($9.95) (Item Code: CCS1)

Irish Claddagh ($9.95) (Item Code: CCS2)

 Knotwork Claddagh by Shane Clark ($23.00) (Item Code: CCS3)

Claddagh by Shane Clark ($23.00) (Item Code: CCS4)