The Story of the Claddagh Ring

by Sean McMahon

Let love and friendship reign! -- a worthy wish and the motto of the famous Claddagh ring, which takes its name from the Claddagh, an ancient fishing village now pan of Galway city. The Claddagh ring, comprising two hands surrounding a heart and surmounted by a crown, is now a sought-after piece of jewelry. Here is the story of that ring. the Claddagh, and the city providing a memorable account of the myths and the history surrounding one of Ireland's oldest and newest love tokens.

Genres: Research

128 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 1998

Reviews

[Janet Still FNP]

Some of this book engaged me; some felt stale and lifeless. I apologise sincerely to the author for saying the latter. While in Ireland for a writing retreat, I obtained the book so that I could immerse myself in the cultural base of the world I was visiting at that time. In some ways, I felt the writer might have been trying carefully to stick to the way the story is passed down, which I desired to experience. I cannot believe these stories lasted as such a vital sharing though, unless a storyteller can bring them to life. Sean MacMahon succeeded a bit and failed in other ways. I will keep searching for a more alive telling of the Claddagh Ring.
I have put a long date of reading the book, because I go back to it each time I travel to Ireland...in body and in mind.

[Stephen Heverin]

The Story of the Claddagh Ring by Sean McMahon (1999)