Thomas Dillon Claddagh Gold

I did not buy a Claddagh ring at Thomas Dillion because I already purchased a Celtic designed ring to commemorate my trip a day before I came here. In any case, the staff is helpful, they have a large selection of rings in gold and silver, plus earrings and pendants. Many price points available. It is a small shop so you may have to wait your turn to try on the goods.
The back room is worth a walk thru.

This is where you want to invest in your Claddaughs and Celtic jewelry. Excellent, Excellent, can’t wait to return.

Ah, the romance of the Claddaugh ring… and to think I was so upset with my mother when, on my 15^th birthday, she bought me my first real piece of jewelry and it was a gold Claddaugh ring with a garnet shaped heart instead of the ring that I actually wanted. She said, «But it is so cute, with the little hands and the little crown!» Eventually I learned the history of the Claddaugh and still have it today. I learned even more about the Claddaugh on a walking tour of Galway, but I’ll spare you that, since the other reviewers have given you a history of the ring ;).
Of course, I had to go into the original Claddaugh shop. There is a little room with the history of the Claddaugh. It is a little cozy inside, so if you have backpacks (rucksacks if you’re British), be careful. The store has loads of Claddaughs… for all budgets! Some students were with me and they didn’t want to say they wanted the cheapest ring there, but simply said that they were on a tight budget, the lady smiled and brought out a selection for them. All sizes too, but if you can’t find your size they can fit one for you right then and there. They do have other pieces of jewelry as well, but obviously they are known for the Claddaugh. It is free to go in and have a wander about the ‘museum’.

Great little Claddagh shop, the original! The little museum in the back is worth a visit, even if you’re not buying any jewelry. My wonderful mom & sis got me a Claddagh for my birthday, and they sized & cleaned it in shop before I left. It has such nice detail, and is stamped with «TD Original» inside. Very cool! Definitely the best place to get a true Claddagh, and to learn the history behind the ring. :)

according to wiki — «The Claddagh ring (Irish: fáinne Chladaigh) is a traditional Irish ring given as a token of love or worn as a wedding ring. The design and customs associated with it originated in the Irish fishing village of Claddagh, located just outside the city of Galway. The ring was first produced in the 17^th century during the reign of Queen Mary II, though elements of the design date to the late Roman period.»…
T. Dillion are the original makers of the Claddagh Ring and also the oldest jewellers in Ireland. Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Gold was established in 1750. The store also has a museum and you can look at all of the moldings and even the world’s smallest claddagh ring! also on display is a small claadaugh box of princess grace kelly’s!
great stop if you’re shopping in galway’s shopping district and a must purchase if you’re looking to get something from the original claddagh ring makers!

What a cute little «museum» tucked inside this jewelry shop. I purchased two items here, one of which I later realized I needed to come back and exchange. They were accommodating and search through every box, trying to locate the exact Claddagh pendant I needed to match the one I already had. A little small, not a lot of inventory, but not much is needed — they are mainly selling one thing– the Claddagh.
The history of the Claddagh dates back to 1750, and symbolizes love, hope and friendship. This is the original shop — they are the originators of the iconic symbol, and have been commissioned by the government of Ireland to continue the production of this national historical symbol. Because they are the original, they are the only shop in all of Ireland to have the official Ireland stamp on each ring.
My friend bought a gold Claggagh ring, which she hopes to pass on through her family… If you’re in Galway, this little shop is too sweet to resist.

Okay, Thomas Dillon’s Claddagh Gold is more of a jewellery shop than a museum. Nevertheless, you can still learn a lot from visiting the back of the shop. And entry into the «museum» is free!
Thomas Dillon patented the famous ring that has been worn by world influential people (queens and presidents) for centuries. The ring originates from the shore of Galway Bay and the design symbolizes love and friendship. .
The whole experience of the museum lasts a little over 7 minutes, the time it takes to listen to a recorded voice narrate the history of the Claddagh ring. My favourite thing about the shop was the old framed photos of Galway. Black and white pictures of women wearing shawls and children in baggy trousers brought me back in time to Galway at the turn of the century. I only wished that I could have purchased these iconic shots.