The Claddagh Ring Museum, Galway

The museum at Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold has been described as “the smallest museum in Europe with the biggest gift shop”. Housed in the home of the Original Claddagh Ring at No. 1 Quay Street, Galway, the Claddagh Ring Museum is presented to the public at no charge, and proudly displays some of the very first claddagh rings ever made, historical letters from Buckingham Palace and the Vice Regal Lodge, and artefacts from Old Galway. Thomas Dillon's — established in 1750, the oldest jewellers in Ireland and the original makers of the Claddagh Ring — has carried on this tradition to this day.

What You Will See at the Claddagh Ring Museum

• The very first claddagh rings, made in 1700–1800 by goldsmiths Nicholas Burge, Richard Joyce and George Robinson
• The “worlds smallest claddagh ring”, on the top of a tailor's pin
• Rings at various stages of production, from wax blanks to the finished product, and a selection of tools used during the process
• Historical letters from Buckingham Palace, St. James Palace, the Vice Regal Lodge and more
• Photos of Old Galway from the owner's private collection, presented to the public at no charge
• Artefacts of the city's past — stone axe heads from the stone age, relics from the penal times, and memorabilia from the famine

The Museum of the Original Claddagh Ring

The Claddagh Ring motif is attributed to Richard Joyce, who was released from slavery in 1689 and returned to Galway to set up as a goldsmith — his work, marked with an anchor signifying Hope and the initials R.I., still exists. The Claddagh Ring was worn by Queen Victoria and later by Queen Alexandra and King Edward VII; these rings were made and supplied by Dillon of Galway, to whom the Royal Patent was granted. Read the full history of the Claddagh Ring and our guide to the Claddagh Ring meaning and how to wear it.

Historical Letters in the Museum

These letters, received by Dillon of Galway, are displayed in the museum:

A Museum in the Heart of Galway

Memorabilia from the famine displays the struggle of the Galway people, and their resilience in the years that followed — portraying a city that grew and succeeded, becoming the thriving, welcoming city that it now is. Galway is now a lively, exciting and prosperous city, and its modern efficiency blends well with its air of historical importance. The Original Claddagh Ring is appropriately on sale in Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold, as it is one of the town's symbols for its capacity for resurrection.

Visiting the Claddagh Ring Museum — FAQs

Where is the Claddagh Ring Museum?

The museum is at Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold, No. 1 Quay Street, Galway, Ireland — the home of the Original Claddagh Ring since 1750.

Is there a charge to visit the Claddagh Ring Museum?

No — the museum is presented to the public at no charge.

When is the Claddagh Ring Museum open?

The museum is at our shop at No. 1 Quay Street, Galway, and is open the same hours as the shop. Contact us at +353-91-566365 or info@claddaghring.ie.

What can I see at the museum?

Some of the very first claddagh rings made in 1700–1800 by goldsmiths Nicholas Burge, Richard Joyce and George Robinson; the “worlds smallest claddagh ring” on the top of a tailor's pin; rings at various stages of production from wax blanks to the finished product; historical letters; and photos and artefacts of Old Galway.

Can I buy a Claddagh ring at the museum?

Yes — the museum is at our shop, where the Original Claddagh Ring is on sale, stamped “ORIGINAL” and hallmarked, with a Certificate of Authenticity with each purchase. You can also shop Claddagh rings online — we ship world-wide.

Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold
No. 1 Quay Street, Galway, Ireland
+353-91-566365
info@claddaghring.ie
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