Let me describe an Irish symbol for you ..... two hands of friendship hold a heart of love beneath a crown of loyalty.
I know you immediately recognize this enduring symbol of Irish love. It can be none other than the spectacular Claddagh.
Today I'm delighted to host a little giveaway sponsored by the good folks at The Irish Store. The prize is a beautiful Irish Claddagh pendant which I know the winner will treasure.
But before I share the details of today's sweepstakes, let's explore why we Irish love our Claddagh rings.
Table of Contents
Why Is The Claddagh Emblem So Popular?
The Claddagh Ring seems to grow in popularity from year to year. I have met many, many Irish Americans who wear these magnificent rings with true Irish pride.
As a beloved symbol of Ireland, Galway and the Claddagh village, the popularity of these rings is really no surprise at all.
Let's face it, this ring boasts a truly unique design, that tells a story of love, faith and loyalty that will always hold a universal and exquisitely sentimental appeal.
The Claddagh emblem adorns signs for Irish establishments throughout the world. The picture above is from a bar near Telford in England.
History Of The Claddagh Symbol
There are three different legends told to explain the origins of the Claddagh ring.
Each tale claims to tell the true history of this beloved ring, and each historical version has attained near mythical status in Ireland.
One story tells of a Galway man, Richard Joyce, who was captured by Algerian pirates and sold as a slave to a Moorish goldsmith. Richard quickly learned his master's craft, and supposedly created the ring for his Galway girl. Rather than marry the goldsmith's daughter when freed, Richard returned to Ireland to find his one true love.
Another theory centers around Margaret Joyce a Galway woman who married a Spanish merchant and became very rich. Once widowed she set about completing philanthropic works throughout the City of Galway. An eagle rewarded her for her generosity by dropping a Claddagh ring in her lap.
The medieval Spanish Arch pictured above was built in Galway in 1584. It stood outside the city walls at that time, but allowed access to the harbor, where Spanish traders docked their ships for loading and unloading. This Galway landmark's name underscore the extensive historical trading links between Spain and Galway. Perhaps Margaret Joyce supported building this arch.
The third Claddagh tale tells of a Spanish prince hidden from the English when the Spanish Armada went adrift off the West Coast of Ireland.
He fell in love with a girl from the Claddagh village, presenting her with the ring to express his enduring love. It's simply a beautiful tale, and my favorite of all three little histories. There's something so romantic about stories of Spanish sailors.
For more details on each proposed history of the Claddagh check out my previous post on The Claddagh Ring - Ireland's Enduring Symbol of Friendship, Faith, Love and Loyalty.
The Irish Store
The Irish Store was established in 1987 and this online store now delivers Irish made goods to people of Irish ancestry around the world who together share a passion for all things Irish.
Founded by Lulu O'Sullivan, the Irish Store allows overseas customers to purchase authentic Irish products and feel comfortable in knowing that what they order is designed and made in Ireland. Lulu supports Irish businesses by selling products from all over Ireland. The vast array of gifts available showcases the unique talents of Irish artists and craftsmen.
Winner of the Website Of The Year Award in 2012 by the Retail Excellence Ireland Awards, The Irish Store is a name you can trust and rely upon.
The Prize
Today's prize is a beautiful Irish Claddagh sterling silver pendant with a green heart-shaped stone. We chose a pendant as a prize, rather than a ring, since one size fits all.
The design shows a heart being encircled by a pair of hands with a crown about the heart – the hands symbolize friendship; the crown represents loyalty, and the heart is love.
I love this beautiful expression associated with the giving of a Claddagh ....
"With my two hands I give you my heart, and crown it with my loyalty."
Through this prize I wish to express my gratitude to readers of Irish American Mom for your friendship, support and loyalty. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
The Giveaway
To enter just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2015. Any comment will do, even one word, but if you need inspiration why not tell us what the Claddagh means to you.
A winning comment will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won’t be published or shared, just used to contact our lucky contestant.
Winners will be announced on Wednesday September 2nd, 2015, at the bottom of this blog post.
You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstake entries by clicking here.
Thanks to everyone who supports and enters this little giveaway. Feel free to tell your family and friends by sharing this post, and thanks a bunch for spreading the word about Irish American Mom.
And a big thank you to The Irish Store for sponsoring this wonderful prize.
We Have A Winner
Good news. Our winner have been chosen using the random “Pick Giveaway Winner” WordPress plug-in.
Congratulations to …..
Barb Murphy
I’ll send you a quick e-mail, Barb, to let you know you are our prize winner.
Thanks to everyone who joined in and entered this little giveaway.
And a big thank you to the Irish Store for sponsoring this wonderful prize and for introducing their collection of beautiful Claddagh jewelry.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
Disclosure: No cash payment was received for publishing this giveaway post. I wish to thank The Irish Store for graciously sponsoring the prize for this Claddagh pendant giveaway.
Here are some more ramblings you might enjoy:
The Fairy Wood of Corkagh Park
Wendy smith
What it means to me... my husband.
He passed away 4 months ago.
He was my friend first.
Our friendship grew to love.
We are loyal in life and till we meet again in heaven.
Irish American Mom
Dear Wendy - I'm so sorry to learn of your husband's passing. The loss of a spouse is a tragic event and I hope you draw strength from all your loving memories. A claddagh would be a wonderful symbol of your everlasting loyalty and love.
With every good wish,
Mairéad
Susan Wright
I am so happy to have discovered this blog. My g-grandparents were both born in Ireland and came to America in the early 1900's.
Irish American Mom
Hi Susan - I'm delighted you found my little corner of the world wide web.
All the best,
Mairéad
JB Green
I've got the ring and this pendant with it would be grand!
Peggy Mckenzie
I t would mean the world to me as my grandparents came from Ireland ,and my Mom died young but she was so proud of her Ireland as she wanted to go and visit it one day but never got to. She taught me to love it too,and i would love to have this as a Memory we shared as i cannot ever visit as my health isnt good and i will be 75 this month,I love all the jewelery you have ,even if i dont win God Bless and watch over you always !
Irish American Mom
Hi Peggy - It sounds like you too share your mother's Irish pride. Sorry you lost your beloved mother way too soon. Since you cannot make it across the Atlantic to see Ireland, let's visit together through photos and my ramblings. Thank you so much for reading and following along. It's lovely to hear from readers who love Ireland as I do.
May God bless you too, and keep you strong, and safe and well.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Irish American Mom
JB - They'd be grand altogether - a perfect pair.
Take care,
Mairéad
Susie gearhart
Absolutely beautiful
Lynda L Stallworth
When I see the Claddagh symbol anywhere, I feel love, especially love of Ireland.
Irish American Mom
Hi Lynda - The Claddagh truly is a powerful symbol and represents our love of Ireland beautifully.
All the best,
Mairéad
Sue Gaydos
It looks amazing. Would love it!
Pat Fordyce
I received my Mom's treasured Claddagh ring when she passed away. When visiting Galway we purchased a Claddagh Christmas ornament. So beautiful, with so much history. Would love the pendant. Thank you for this opportunity.
Irish American Mom
Hi Pat - Your mother's Claddagh ring is such a wonderful family heirloom and treasure, and a beautiful reminder of her love and loyalty. I think a Claddagh Christmas ornament would be perfect on any Irish tree. I must check them out.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Anna Maria
Love finding this Website and reading your blog. Wishing Love, Loyalty and Friendship to all!
Irish American Mom
Anna Maria - Thanks for your kind words.
Mairéad
Melanie Brown
I love loyalty the best because there is far too little of it in this world.
Irish American Mom
Hi Melanie - Loyalty is so important in life - a lesson I must be sure to pass on to my kiddos.
All the best,
Mairéad
Caitlin
Such a beautiful giveaway. Anyone would be lucky to have it!
Mary Ann Blasen
When I open my inbox, seeing your post makes my Irish eyes smile! Thank you for taking your precious time to teach me all things Irish! I loved the history, maybe my Irish luck will se me through this one. Just beautiful!
Thank so much.
Irish American Mom
Hi Mary Ann - I'm so glad you look forward to my e-mails letting you know about my latest story or recipe. Now you've made my Irish eyes smile.
All the best,
Mairéad
Debra
The claddagh is almost as recognizable as the shamrock as a symbol of Ireland to those of us in the USA. I'm always thrilled to read your latest postings & thanks again for bringing your experiences to the Internet for all of us to feel closer to the country of our ancestors. God Bless You!
Irish American Mom
God bless you too, Debra, and thank you so much for checking out my recipes and ramblings.
Mairéad
Laura Forberg
I love this! I love Ireland and feel so blessed my grandparents came from Ireland. I got to visit a few years back and it was the best experience of my life. I would be such an honor to win this. Thank you!
Irish American Mom
Hi Laura - That's some compliment you just paid Ireland by saying your time there was "the best experience" of your life. It makes me so happy to hear Ireland's hundred thousand welcomes is not something we imagine to exist, but that it is real and continues to this very day.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
JJT
Ooh, both my wife and daughter would love the pendant. Wonderful post!
Irish American Mom
Thanks JJT - glad you enjoyed the histories behind the ring.
Mairéad
Brenda
My grandmother had a tradition, where when each of her granddaughters became a teenager, she'd take us shopping for our claddagh ring. She's gone but those rings are still a prized possession for each of us.
Irish American Mom
What a wonderful family tradition, and what beautiful mementos to have of your grandmother. If I ever have granddaughters I think I may do the very same, inspired by your loving grandmother.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Holly
I love the symbolism of the claddagh. My wedding ring is the celtic eternity knot and I prefer the symbolism over a big diamond.
Irish American Mom
Hi Holly - I think the symbolism is amazing and I too would treasure it more than a big diamond. These old Irish rings and symbols tell so much about who we are,
All the best,
Mairéad
Lisa
This reminds me of my mom and daughter. Before Mom passed away, we spent every moment together outside of work and school. We had planned a trip to Roscommon. I hope my daughter and I still will take it in Mom's memory.
Irish American Mom
Hi Lisa - I truly hope you and your daughter make it to Roscommon someday to honor your mother. What an amazing trip that would be to share with your daughter.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Grandma J
Married to an Irishman. I have a claddagh ring and would love the necklace too!
Irish American Mom
Hi Grandma - those Irish men are good husbands. Mine's a Donegal man.
All the best, and thanks for stopping by,
Mairéad
George Edw. Seymour
Daughter Christina and I visited Ireland back in 2010. We found what is left of the city of Claddagh and here is a picture she took: http://www.linking.to/Me-Claddagh-2010.JPG Would love to win the pendant for one of my older Irish granddaughters. Slán go fóill
Irish American Mom
Hi George - I love your photo by the Claddagh sign. Thanks so much for checking out this giveaway.
Mairéad
Kerry
I have a Claddagh ring that my sister gave me after our first trip to Ireland. As a family, we have made two more trips--my grandparents immigrated from Ireland in the 1920's.
Irish American Mom
Hi Kerry - Three trips to Ireland - that's says a lot about how Ireland just keeps on calling us back. It's hard to explain, but it really does happen.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Colleen Diffely-Sullivan
It connects me to my Irish roots.
Barbara
My grandmother, who was my best friend growing up, was from Ireland. I've never had anything with Claddagh symbol on it. Would love this pendant. The green stone is exquisite. Thanks for giving us this chance.
Irish American Mom
Hi Barbara - What a wonderful thing to be able to say - that your grandmother was your best friend. A Claddagh would be a perfect way to remember her.
All the best,
Mairéad
Mary Sullivan
immediately evokes the love of Ireland. 🙂
Sara McLain
This is a great website, full of loveliness and wonder, even when you're not giving things away. You give away so much of your spirit in your writings and your photos
Keep up the great work,
Sara
Irish American Mom
Ah Sara - Thank you for such supportive, kind words. It's so nice to know my ramblings are appreciated. I sometimes wonder if I've lost my marbles when I'm up a midnight typing some story that just struck me. So glad you enjoy those Irish American tales.
All the best,
Mairéad
Tina Van Eeckhoutte
I am Irish & my husband's birthstone is an Emerald, that Claddagh looks like it was made for me, it is beautiful, would love to win it!
Irish American Mom
Tina - This Emerald Claddagh would be a perfect symbol of your love and loyalty.
Take care,
Mairéad
Barbara Duffy
Although of German ancestry, I married a true Irishman. We have traveled many times to Ireland and I always yearned for a Claddagh ring or pendant. We are taking all of our children and grandchildren to Ireland next year and would love to wear this pendant before, during and after our trip. I would also like to praise you for the time and effort you make to write your blog which is such an inspiration to so many of us who are "want-to-be Irish"!
Irish American Mom
HI Barbara - I hope you have a fabulous trip to Ireland next year. A Claddagh would be perfect for your trip, and an inspiration as you plan your itinerary. Thank you for your kind words about my blog - it does take quite a bit of time and effort, but it's so worth it to be able to connect with so many people who really love Ireland.
All the best,
Mairéad
Alicia
I've worn my Claddagh ring every day since I received it at 16 years old. The pendant is beautiful! Thank you for the chance to win it!
Irish American Mom
Hi Alicia - You must treasure your beautiful Claddagh.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Veronica Vatter
Pretty
sandra Newman
Beautiful prize!
Claudia
I keep my finger crossed hoping to win this beautiful symbol of love, friendship and loyalty. It reminds me to my Irish journey in 2008... it would mean much to me!
John McKenney
My wife and I love to read and get great recipes from your blog. We found it three years ago when we stumble upon your amazing Christmas pudding recipe. Thank you for such a rich and fantastic source of Irish history - it brings so much to our family. And as well thank you for these great prize opportunities.
Irish American Mom
Thanks for following my blog, John. It's wonderful to have loyal readers like you.
Mairéad
Martine Robinson
Claddagh to me
Is an irish pride
We Irish people
Stand side by side
So I would love to win
And hold this Claddagh so dear
Ai that my irish pride
Will always be near
Irish American Mom
Beautifully said, Martine.
All the best,
Mairéad
Susie d
It is such a joy to find your blog, originally by accident, and now the best thing in my mailbox. Thank you for all you share and the many varied guests you introduce also.
Because of your information, I am now a Squiress who will be attending the Gathering, which starts on my birthday! I also enjoy your readers' responses. I will definately look for the Christmas ornaments, as well as, pennywhistles to bring home to friends. All the best to you and family, smd
Irish American Mom
Dear Squiress Susie - "The best thing" in your mailbox. Thank you so much for such lovely praise.
Have a wonderful time attending the Gathering. I'm so happy to hear you'll be making the trip. Say hello to Ireland for me.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Penny Wolf
What a lovely prize. I hope I'm lucky enough to be chosen.
Carole Boothroyd (nee Cassidy)
The beautiful Claddagh symbolizes the enduring spirit of the Irish people.
John McKenney
Not quite sure why my post keeps not showing up but what a beautiful pendant. Would love to give it to my wife or daughter. ☺️
Irish American Mom
Hi John - sorry about my delay in approving your first comment. I was offline for a little while this afternoon. I have a system whereby I need to approve the very first comment you ever leave on my blog. If I don't do that my posts would be inundated with spam comments about the craziest stuff in the world. Once you use the same name and e-mail, your comments will appear straight away from now on.
Thanks so much for supporting and entering this little giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Debbie McNeice
i have been to Galway and it is a beautiful city. The Claddagh reminds me of my Father who was 2nd Generation for his family in the USA.
Irish American Mom
Hi Debbie - Galway is a beautiful city - so glad you had a chance to visit. The Claddagh is a beautiful symbol to remind you of your father.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Stephanie Allison
I love the Claddagh!
Deborah Egizii
When I visited Ireland the second time, my son asked me to bring him a claddagh ring. He wears it as his"half" of his engagement to a lovely girl!
Irish American Mom
Hi Deborah - That's just perfect - I love how Claddagh's are beautiful rings for men and women.
Take care,
Mairéad
Janine Corbets
I love claddaghs and finally have one that has become my wedding ring. Would love to have the necklace, but after reading the previous comments, there are two readers whose comments really touched me and I hope one of them wins it.
Irish American Mom
Hi Janine - The comments on this post have really touched my heart too. The Claddagh is such a meaningful emblem for Ireland for the Irish people we love.
All the best,
Mairéad
Kathleen
I received my first claddagh ring from my father when he returned home to visit with his brothers. Nothing speaks 'Ireland' better than a claddagh.
Irish American Mom
So true Kathleen about the deep significance of the Claddagh as an Irish emblem. So glad your father gave you your very first Claddagh. What a lovely gift.
All the best,
Mairéad
Vanessa Becker
So pretty!
Rachel @ Parenthood Highs and Lows
This is absolutely beautiful!
Barb Murphy
My dear sister died almost 6 years ago and I have worn her gold claddagh and baby rings on a chain around my neck ever since. They are precious to me and having them close to my heart is the only comfort I have from such a devastating loss.
Irish American Mom
Hi Barb - What a beautiful way to remember your sister. So sorry that you lost her. Life is never easy, but keeping her Claddagh close to your heart is such a perfect way to draw strength from your memories of your years together. Thanks for sharing your family story with us.
All the best,
Mairéad
Joyce
My favorite symbol of all time. And the green stone makes it seem even more Irish, if that is possible!
Holly
I would love to win this to match my Claddagh ring my husband gave to me when our daughter was born. After 10 years, it is still my favorite treasure he has given me, besides our daughter! Good luck to you all!!
Irish American Mom
Hi Holly - What a lovely gift from your husband to mark your daughter's birth. The Claddagh is a perfect emblem for so many important events in life.
Thanks so much for stopping by,
Mairéad
Emer
Thank you for the lovely competition - it's just stunning!
Tracey
It symbolizes a country I have not yet seen, but feel so strongly towards. I feel a calling, if you will, to go there and see the land my ancestors walked and surely loved. When I see the Claddagh, I think of the bond I have to Ireland and feel a fierce love in my soul for this place my g-grandma called home.
Irish American Mom
Hi Tracey - I love how you called your connection to Ireland a "fierce love in your soul." Your very phrasing is ever so Irish, and underscores your Irishness. Thanks so much for entering and supporting this little giveaway.
All the best,
Mairéad
Theresa N
A beautiful necklace, the green stone adds to it.
Marianna Walsh
My husband and I both have roots in Ireland, and we feel such a draw to such an enchanting place. The Claddagh is a wonderful symbol of Ireland - thanks for offering this giveaway!