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  The Claddagh is one of Ireland’s most recognized and precious images. Two hands embracing a heart adorned with a crown symbolize the purity of a cherished relationship – friendship (cairdeas), love (grá) and loyalty (dílseacht). Here we explore the origins of the design and how it is still honored more than 300 years after its creation.   Between the River Corrib & Galway Bay     When we hear “Claddagh”, we think ring. But Claddagh is actually a place in County Galway where a fisherman-turned-goldsmith transformed his undying commitment to the woman he loved into the renowned band of...

Second only to the shamrock, the harp is one of the most recognized symbols of Ireland. Referred to as the Celtic harp, Gaelic harp or cláirseach in Gaeilge, the native Irish tongue, the emblem of the nation is found on flags, coats of arms, passports, currency and even the packaging of various forms of libation.  What is the history behind this stringed instrument holding such significance for a people revered around the world for their rich traditions of music, literature and eloquence? Like most things Irish, there is disagreement on how the harp found its way to the Emerald Isle....