Karen Louise Daly
The iconic Irish Claddagh is having a serious moment in weddings right now, and we can see why. With its crowned heart held between two hands, this instantly recognisable Irish design is packed with symbolism, representing love, loyalty and friendship, and has long held a special place in Irish wedding traditions. From engagement and wedding rings to jewellery and thoughtful wedding-day details, couples are finding new ways to incorporate the Claddagh into their celebrations, and this beloved Irish emblem is feeling more relevant than ever. But how much do you actually know about the story behind the Claddagh ring? From its Galway roots and the fascinating tale of Richard Joyce to what the different ways of wearing it are said to mean, here’s everything you need to know about one of Ireland’s most iconic emblems. The Claddagh ring takes its name from the historic fishing village of Claddagh in Galway, just outside the medieval city walls. The name comes from the Irish word cladach, meaning ‘foreshore’, and the village’s close-knit Irish-speaking community gave its name to one of Ireland’s most recognisable symbols. The exact origins of the design are less certain, but the oldest known Claddagh ring dates to around 1700 and is attributed to Galway goldsmith Richard Joyce. According to the famous story, Joyce was captured by Algerian pirates while travelling to the West Indies and sold into slavery to a wealthy Moorish goldsmith in Algeria. The master goldsmith taught Joyce the trade, and Joyce became a master craftsman. Thinking of the sweetheart he left behind in Ireland, Joyce fashioned the first Claddagh ring during his captivity. In 1689, Joyce was freed, turned down his master's offer to marry his daughter and share his wealth, and returned to Galway. He found that his sweetheart had waited for him, presented her with the ring, and married her. It’s a wonderful story, although Galway City Museum notes that the full account cannot be proven, making it part history and part folklore. There are even further legends surrounding the Joyce family, so it’s fair to say the Claddagh has always come with a good story. And the tradition of making Claddagh rings in Galway is still very much alive today. Thomas Dillon, known as The Original Makers of the Claddagh Ring Since 1750, has been making the iconic rings for generations, with the craft and tradition passed down through the family over the centuries. The symbolism is perhaps the reason the Claddagh has such an enduring connection with weddings. The design features three key elements: Together, the symbolism is often summed up as love, friendship and loyalty. The design itself also has much older European connections. The clasped-hands motif is associated with fede rings, an ancient style of ring representing joined hands or ‘hands in faith’, which was already used in Europe long before the Claddagh design emerged in Galway. This is the bit most people are familiar with, but there is a lovely tradition behind it. According to the customary symbolism: The Galway City Museum also records the tradition that the direction of the heart could indicate whether someone’s heart was ‘taken’ or free. Of course, like many wedding traditions, how people wear their Claddagh today is personal, and you don't have to follow the traditional symbolism. The Claddagh became particularly associated with marriage and family heirlooms in Galway and surrounding areas. Galway City Museum notes that by the late 19th century it was a popular wedding ring in Galway, Connemara and the Aran Islands, while earlier accounts describe Claddagh wedding rings being passed from mother to daughter and down through generations. That tradition of passing a ring through the family makes the Claddagh particularly meaningful as a wedding or engagement ring. It's not simply a piece of Irish jewellery, but something that can carry a family story with it too. And while the Claddagh has deep roots in Galway, its symbolism has travelled far beyond Ireland. Its popularity among the Irish diaspora helped make it an internationally recognised symbol of Irish identity. So, why is the Claddagh having such a moment again? We think it comes down to our growing love for nostalgia, heritage and pieces that actually mean something. The Claddagh may be steeped in tradition, but it certainly doesn’t have to look traditional. Contemporary jewellers are reimagining the iconic motif across rings, necklaces, earrings and other jewellery, while couples are finding fresh ways to bring its symbolism into their celebrations. From engagement and wedding rings to promise and commitment rings, the Claddagh has become a meaningful way to mark a relationship milestone, while its distinctive design is also being reinvented in delicate, minimalist and more modern luxe styles. Dublin jeweller Chupi Sweetman put a modern spin on the iconic ring following a special request from Bridgerton actor Nicola Coughlan in 2024. While on a world tour promoting the third season of the hit series, Coughlan asked Sweetman to create a contemporary Claddagh to wear at a celebration in her hometown of Galway, bringing a fresh, fashion-forward take to one of Ireland’s most recognisable symbols. And it’s not just jewellery. The Claddagh motif is popping up in modern wedding details too, from stationery and signage to wedding dresses, veils and accessories, offering couples a subtle way to weave a little Irish heritage into their day. Its resurgence also taps into a wider appetite for authenticity and self-expression. Rather than choosing something simply because it’s fashionable, couples are increasingly looking for details with a story behind them, whether that’s a family heirloom, a nod to their heritage or a symbol that has personal meaning. Social media has undoubtedly helped introduce the Claddagh to a new generation too, with TikTok and Instagram bringing renewed interest in its history, symbolism and modern styling. And with the wider love for Celtic-inspired design showing no signs of slowing down, this distinctly Irish symbol feels surprisingly fresh again. Looking for more ways to celebrate your Irishness? Check out: 
Image by Anna G Photography via One Fab DayWhere does the Claddagh Ring Come From?
Image by Darren Fitzpatrick via One Fab DayWhat Does the Claddagh Ring Mean?
Image by Pawel Bebenca via One Fab DayHow Do You Wear a Claddagh Ring?
Image by Darren Fitzpatrick via One Fab DayFrom Galway Heirloom to Irish Wedding Tradition
Claddagh Bag by Claudia Maxwell Designs | Image by Chris Copeland PhotographyWhy is the Claddagh Having a Moment Again?
Claddagh Ring by Chupi via One Fab Day
Claddagh Couture veil by Mizz Rio
Image by Eye Capture Weddings via One Fab Day
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