The Claddagh Ring Experience
- 1.5–1.6 hours
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- 2 languages
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
Step into the story of Galway’s most treasured symbol on this small-group guided walking tour. Explore the origins of the iconic ring, receive your own Claddagh ring to take home, and relax in a cosy local café as you uncover its meaning and learn the traditional way to wear it. Beginning in the historic fishing village of Claddagh, you’ll take in sweeping Atlantic views while discovering how this iconic ring became a globally recognised symbol of love, loyalty, and friendship. From there, you’ll continue into the old town, where centuries-old stories—rooted in medieval times—have shaped both the town’s character and the enduring legacy of the ring. - Duration: 1.5 to 2 hours of easy walking - Includes: Local refreshment and your own Claddagh ring - Accessible for wheelchairs and strollers, comfortable walking shoes recommended -Pet friendly
Inclusions
What's included
- Coffee and/or Tea
- Claddagh ring
What's not
- Food and other drinks
Itinerary
You’ll get a crash course in the city’s history, from archaeology to medieval life.
The Spanish Arch was built in 1584 but is an extension of the 12th century Norman -built town wall, which stretched from Martin’s Tower to the riverbank.
The Claddagh or ‘An Cladach’ meaning ‘the shore’, is a notable area in Galway, on the western side of the city. The Claddagh was once an ancient fishing village, dating from the fifth century.
One of Ireland’s best-preserved medieval townhouses, famous for its carved stonework and still in everyday use as a bank.
Galway's only medieval building, dating from 1320
The building itself dates back over 800 years to the 13th century. Speed’s famous Pictorial Map of Galway (below), drawn in 1651, shows the home of the Mayor of Galway at 15 High Street as one of the tallest and most prominent buildings in Galway with the impressive five storey Stubber’s Castle adjoining it to the rear.
A lively area filled with cobbled lanes, music and old stone buildings. Pause for a tea or coffee like a local, and receive your Claddagh ring, with the story behind it fresh in your mind
A medieval lane filled with pubs, cafés, buskers, and independent shops, where the city’s trading past and artsy present meet.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
5.0
- 513
- 40
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- 20
- 10
Ratings come from 13 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Your guide will meet you at the steps outside Galway museum.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 15 travellers
- Operated by
- Explore Galway with Candela
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
How it compares in Galway
- Its from-price is 82% below the median of the 18 city tours we list in Galway.
- It is shorter than most of them.
- By number of reviews it ranks 6 of 18.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
About Galway
Galway is a harbour city on Ireland's west coast, with a pedestrian old centre, traditional music, a seaside promenade and Connemara just to the west.
Galway stands where the River Corrib meets Galway Bay, and in the Middle Ages it was ruled by fourteen merchant families known as the Tribes, who built its stone houses and quays. The Spanish Arch recalls the trade with Spain, and Eyre Square, the Latin Quarter around Shop Street and Quay Street, and the Claddagh, a former fishing village that gave its name to the Claddagh ring, form the centre. The cathedral, consecrated in 1965, stands by the river.
Top-ranked sights in Galway: Cliffs of Moher, The Burren, Galway Bay.
Special offers in Galway
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
