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| Original makers of the Claddagh Ring in Galway! |
This is our
Ireland Trip Part 25: Galway, Old Buildings,
Story of the Claddagh Ring!
THE CLADDAGH RING ORIGINATED IN GALWAY - Our
tour guide told us that the first-ever Claddagh ring was designed and made in
Galway. In fact, descendants of the family still make them today. The exact origin is unknown, but it was one
of two ways according to claddagh.kaijewels.com
Mythic Origin: Margaret Joyce inherited a huge
amount of money from her late husband named Domingo de Rona. He was a wealthy
Spanish merchant trading with Galway in Ireland. She later married the Mayor of
Galway in 1596 (Oliver Og French)and used her inherited wealth to construct
many bridges in Connacht. The first Cladagh ring was supposed to be her
providential reward and was dropped by an eagle into her lap.
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| Claddagh Ring |
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| Shop of the original family who make the rings |
More Likely Origin: A
native of Galway by the name of Richard Joyce was captured by the Algerians and
sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith. Later in 1689 William III of England
demanded the release of all British subjects and Richard Joyce was released
from slavery, too. The Moorish goldsmith offered Richard Joyce a major portion
of his wealth and also his only daughter in marriage, if he agreed to stay in
Algiers. Richard Joyce refused all the tempting offers and
returned to his native city with the first Claddagh ring.
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| Historic building being renovated |
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| wall of an old building in Galway |
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| Alleyway |
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| Buildings in a alleyway circa 1600 |
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| This is one shop we WOULD have gone into |
HOW IT IS WORN MEANS DIFFERENT THINGS - Worn on the right hand, crown turned inwards, your heart is yet to be
occupied.
Worn on the right hand, crown turned outwards shows a special commitment to someone.
Worn on the left hand, Crown turned outwards, means "let our love and friendship reign forever, never to be separated."
We couldn't find out what it means if worn on the left hand, turned inward.
Worn on the right hand, crown turned outwards shows a special commitment to someone.
Worn on the left hand, Crown turned outwards, means "let our love and friendship reign forever, never to be separated."
We couldn't find out what it means if worn on the left hand, turned inward.
NEXT: GALWAY'S LAST BLOG: Legend of the Ghostly Hand
