Is the Claddagh ring the new bow? The rave of the Irish language and culture.

It’s what the lads and their beours are raving about: the sudden rush of the

traditional Claddagh ring onto everybody’s fingers.

We’ve heard of a ring before with a similar status, the Pandora ring. A ring that was THE trendsetter, it showcased one’s relationship status only for this fact- you don’t buy yourself the ring, it was popularly called a ‘promise ring’. It was the statement purchased for your straight cis partner. Hello? It was a Nike tracky and Pandora Christmas back in 21’. Now the Claddagh ring reigns supremacy, and it is like no other statement piece…there’s no forced narrative taking credit for the historical context of the ring! Claddagh’s got a presence, a Celtic upbringing, and it’s a national treasure!

It is uplifting to see Claddagh symbols come back. Created in 17th century Claddagh, off of Galway, by one man to whom he dedicated the ring to his lover. That’s where we see the design come through. The heart is all about love. The crown represents loyalty, and the hands symbolize friendship. I describe it as wearing your heart on your... well, finger. Show the world what's important to you: love, loyalty, and good friends. Pretty cool, huh? Better than any promise ring could give.

Classic Silver Claddagh Ring

18k Gold Diamond Claddagh Ring

Now that the Claddagh is taking charge outside of Ireland and has achieved international success, brand awareness is through the roof, so I am sure that the design of the heart, hands, and crown topping will remain associated with the heritage of Ireland everywhere. Of course, people have different tastes and last year would prefer to be spending their money on other trends that have been copied and pasted around the industry, like bows, relative to coquette, and that damn Pandora ring, but the Claddagh ring is a spectacle that is an irreplaceable heirloom for some and cannot be remastered.

The ring is not hard to come by because of its increase in popularity in recent years. You’ll get a feel for what I’m saying when you visit any jewellery store. I enjoy exploring the various options available for these rings. You can snag one for as low as €35 if you go for sterling silver or go all out with around €400 for a boujee karat gold one. For those who are not into material stuff, the meaning of the ring can totally change based on how connected one feels to their Celtic roots, no matter the price tag.

We’re seeing Celtic fashion symbols become an integral part of the Irish Fashion Scene, a big leap in cultural representation. It does, however, feel ‘out of the norm’ to see this symbolism act as alluring as it has to Irish natives. Stems from a disinterest/downfall of Gaeilge and other aspects of Irish heritage, I guess?... Considering the declining interest in traditional Irish culture throughout the years, there is this surprise feeling of cultural appreciation. Hence, businesses are bringing it SO BACK.

The rise of Celtic wearable emblems and the want for Gaeilge superiority have been what has made things like the Claddagh ring and Trinity Knots (featured on the ring) and such, become so unmatched. Look to Pellador’s use of the Trinity Knot, Guinness collabs, and good materials. If you’re into high-quality knits, check out Conor O’Brien Studio for incredibly crafted jumpers like no other in Ireland. Ditsy Bits have the Claddagh symbol on their tops, a recent sellout, and Megan Nolan Walsh! -Home of the Claddagh scarves and all kinds of tops, hats, and that tracksuit seen on Jazzy, all with iconic harps, and more. Girls, we even have Lush Making Claddagh Soap.

Beaded Claddagh Scarf by Megan Nolan Walsh

Fashion X Gaeilge is here making waves in the country, and as we see more and more designers leave their mark, we begin to appreciate the ever-lasting, spectacular culture of Ireland. The widely admired Claddagh ring is the new blueprint for Irish designs, and without it, the scene would be a lot different from how it is now. Grá!