
( Royalcladdagh/CC BY SA 3.0 ) A Celtic Symbol for Irish Pride: The Harp After some time, Richard was able to escape, or was set free, and returned to Ireland, where he was overwhelmed by the love and fidelity of Margaret and thus presented her with the first Claddagh ring.Ī gold Claddagh ring. He was eventually sold to a Moorish goldsmith who saw his skills and helped him become a master goldsmith.

Richard was a fisherman from Claddagh who was captured by Spanish pirates and sold into slavery in Algeria. The most popular legendary story of the first Claddagh ring tells the tale of Richard Joyce and his patient lover, Margaret.


The Claddagh symbol has a triple meaning. The Claddagh Ring: A Tale of Love and Fidelity The meanings of symbols such as the Claddagh, Crann Bethadh, Triquetra, and Triskelion have lived on thanks to bards and storytellers maintaining historical pride and passing it from one generation to the next. Irish and Celtic symbols reflect ancient beliefs and traditions and were believed to influence lives.
