Custom Search
|
Custom Search
|
 |
|
"People will not look forward to posterity who never look backward to their ancestors."
Quotes
Shops Ireland Bunús na Gaeilge Did You Know? Himself/Herself Write to Us Readers Write.. Links/Link to Us Advertise with us Awards & Testimonials
|
The Legend of the Claddagh Ring Over the years, the design became extremely popular as a betrothal or wedding ring and took on even more significance. Worn on the right hand with the heart pointing out means that the heart is uncommitted. Worn on the same hand with the heart pointing in means that the heart is taken. Worn on the left hand with the heart pointing in means "Let Love and Friendship reign forever, never to be separated." In the old days, Claddagh rings were worn widely by women on the west coast and off-shore islands of Galway. Often representing the sole major investment of a fishing family, they were handed down from mother to daughter. Now, many couples, even those not of Irish descent, are choosing the Claddagh symbol for their engagement and wedding rings. They are widely available, as are a wide range of other Claddagh accessories from earrings to cuff links. But one word of caution: it is said to be very bad luck for a person to purchase a Claddagh ring for themselves. It must be given or received as a gift.
I recently was contacted by The Legend of the Claddagh Ring Museum. This is a web site well worth the visit. Just as an aside; Bridget's father was born in the Claddagh and we walked around there on our visit to Galway. It's much more attractive, even charming, then it was in the olden days.
|
 The Galway Hooker
This unique vessel, with its distinctive curved lines and bright red sails, originated in the village of Claddagh. During the 19th century, hookers supported a significant fishing industry and also carried goods, livestock and fuel. Seán Rainey is remembered for building the last of the original boats, the Truelight, for Martin Oliver who was to become the last king of the Claddagh; as king, he was entitled to white sails on his boat. Since the mid seventies, many of the old sailing craft which were on the verge of extinction have been lovingly restored and new ones have been built. During the summer months they can be seen at festivals such a Cruinniú na mBád - the Gathering of the Boats - in Kinvara. |
||||||
|
||||||||
| All contents copyright © 2001 through 2011 inclusive - all rights reserved. March 4, 2011 |
Rollover button Images: Wedding LaRose, Kids Reading & Kitchen Apples and Tea from All Posters prints. The information provided on this site is offered as-is, without warranty. This site's owners, operators, authors and partners disclaim any and all liability from the information provided herein. Any trademarks or registered trademarks on this site are the property of their respective owners. |
This Web Site Bashed, Kicked & Glued together by Russ Haggerty. |
||||||
According to 16th-century Irish folk lore, a fishing boat from the village of Claddagh was captured by Algerian pirates and the crew was sold into slavery. One of the crew was a young man by the name of Richard Joyce, who was to be married the same week he was captured. Instead, Richard found himself far away from his love and his homeland.