Gold Claddagh Ring

Q: My wife and I are on our way to Ireland in May and, while there, we would like to purchase a Claddagh ring. Are they available throughout Ireland or just in the Galway area? We will have the most shopping time in Dublin, although it may take the fun out of it to buy a ring in other than its place of origin.

A: Worry not: I challenge you to visit any jewelry shop or any tourist souvenir shop and NOT see Claddagh rings of all designs and prices. If you want a nice ring please please look around. There are many fine celtic designs available from wonderful artists who are trying to make a living. Buy one from them and a ring that is not the Claddagh. The claddagh is the most over used motif in the world. Wearing a claddagh is like wearing a beer can pull tab and additionally you should know the folklore of the design before you ever purchase one. Check out the Claddagh ring pages and read carefully of the folkloric meaning of the design: http://www.trailerpark.com/phase2/bladocel/claddagh.htm I hope

you will reconsider and get yourself a nice ring! You can purchase your ring anywhere (just like you can in the USA). I bought a nice 9K gold claddagh band ring with emeralds and cubic zirconia at Blarney Woolen Mills in Dublin. The neat thing about the band ring is that it doesn't catch on stuff like the crown does with the usual ring you see. Factory is right!- the claddagh is the most mass produced piece of kitsch in the world. Be sure you know about the ring and its over use before you deprive a good celtic craftsman of your patronage. Also learn of the folkloric meaning of the ring: http://www.trailerpark.com/phase2/bladocel/claddagh.htm