How a Galway Legend Made Its Way Back Home With Me

My Claddagh ring makes me think of rainy days and hot porridge

The Claddagh ring I purchased in the fall of 2019 in Galway, Ireland has been worn so consistently by me that my finger now has a tan line where it sits. While walking through the streets of Galway there are some obvious main attractions for travelers: Pubs, live music and the Legend of the Claddagh Ring museum.

The Legend of the Claddagh Ring

My travel companions and I visited Galway, Ireland in the fall, during a semester spent studying abroad. We spent much of our time bouncing in between shops and bars to stay out of the rain and wind. With only a small list of locations on the itinerary for Galway, we hoped to find areas to explore along the way.

As we wandered through the cobbled streets, we eventually made our way into the Legend of the Claddagh Ring museum. The Claddagh (pronounced “kla-duh”) ring has been around in Galway since the 1700s but didn’t earn its name till over a century later.

This free museum is located in the heart of Galway and the staff is very knowledgeable about the ring’s history. They explain that the Claddagh ring is made up of three symbols: A heart, a crown and hands. This symbolizes love, loyalty and friendship.

After learning about the interconnected history of the ring and the city we were visiting my friends and I decided to look for some rings to bring home. Braving the rain, we stepped out again to the streets of Galway.

Our dreams were seemingly short-lived. Directly next door we found the Claddagh Jewellers shop and after a brief inspection of their window display and prices, it was agreed amongst the group that owning a Claddagh ring was likely not within our future. It appeared that this local legend was simply out of our budget.

Live music filled the streets from open windows and town troubadours as we made our way through the town. From local craft stores to pubs with welcoming aromas, we weaved in and out of the shops on Quay Street.

Near the Spanish Arch along the River Corrib, we filled our stomaches with porridge and coffee. Later in the day, we agreed to stop again for soup, in an effort to keep warm and hide out more of the weather.

While the relentless rain could have certainly ruined the trip, I now associate rainy days with the memories of running through the wind and ducking into shop doors with this city because of it.

Now if only I had a souvenir to remember Galway by…

As the rainy morning shifted into a windy afternoon, we discovered a local flea market. The Galway Market is home to a mix of food and crafts and is open on Saturdays and Sundays. We sought shelter from the wind in between the artisan and farmers’ booths, taking time to look at each collection of goods and produce. And here is where we found my beloved ring.

A jeweler had set up shop within the market and had a wide range of Claddagh rings to choose from, including ones for €20. For a sterling silver Claddagh ring that seemed like a small price to pay to bring a little piece of Galway home with me. I remember trying on the rings with my friends, passing them to one another as we each looked for the right fit.

I put my ring on my left hand, with the point of the heart facing towards me, after purchasing and have seldom taken it off since.

My silver Claddagh ring was not the only thing I brought home from Galway but it is the one I think of most often.

As explained to me in the museum, women in Ireland would wear the ring to display their relationship status visibly. Similarly, I wear mine with the heart facing in to show I’m in a committed relationship.

Some of my most treasured souvenirs, like this ring, hold memories from the places they were collected from. For me I think of being blown around by the wind in the Galway streets, seeking shelter in a pub, the coffee drank and porridge had and exploring Ireland with my friends when I wear my ring.

Although I didn’t intend to bring a Claddagh ring home when I booked my flight to Ireland, now I can’t imagine returning without one.

Before you click off, I’d like to recommend some other articles from Globetrotters:

From TRAVEL STORIES BY GABE read about 4 Breathtaking Places Near Dublin, Ireland To Enjoy Nature And Hiking. While I didn’t get to venture into Ireland’s natural landscape, his story surely makes me wish I would have.

Like Casey Lawrence I also bring back a postcard (or five) from each city I visit. After having her camera stolen she describes postcards as the final proof she has of visiting some places. My postcard from Galway has a list of places we visited written on the back, including those mentioned in this article.

This story is part of the Globetrotters October challenge of souvenirs.

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