From Celtic crosses to Ogham stones; from the Claddagh ring to Celtic warriors, there are many spectacular locations that provide the starting point for the design of handcrafted Irish jewelry. We look at 5 Irish locations that are the inspiration for jewelry.
Hill of Tara, County Meath – The Tara Brooch
The Hill of Tara, County Meath has been made quite famous through the Tara Brooch, which is Ireland’s most magnificent piece of jewelry. While the brooch is named after the Hill of Tara, which was the seat of the High Kings of Tara, it actually has no connection to either the Hill of Tara or the High Kings! The brooch was actually found in August 1850 on the beach at Bettystown, County Meath!
Claddagh, County Galway – The Claddagh Ring
The tiny fishing village of Claddagh in County Galway is famous the world over as being the location which is the inspiration for Ireland’s famous Claddagh ring. The Claddagh ring includes a heart to symbolize love; hands to signify friendship and a crown to represent loyalty. This tiny village has inspired a ring that is known everywhere and has never been more popular around the world.
Dingle Peninsula, County Kerry – Ogham Jewelry
The wonderfully wild Dingle peninsula is steeped in history and tradition. There is a truly remarkable preservation of over 2,000 monuments there. With over 70 Ogham stones dotted around which were traditionally used as landmarks or to signify land ownership, this is one of the best places in Ireland to enjoy history and view Ogham stones. Ogham is Ireland’s oldest language and looks particularly beautiful engraved in to jewelry. There is an entire Ogham collection available at Rings from Ireland.
Ardagh, County Limerick - Celtic Warrior Collection
There is an entire collection of jewelry available at Rings from Ireland inspired by the Ardagh Chalice, which was discovered by two men digging in a ring fort in Ardagh, County Limerick. The chalice is the finest example of eighth century metalwork to be discovered in the country. A beautiful collection of jewelry has been created inspired by the gold filigree band on the Chalice.
GPO, Dublin – History of Ireland Collection
The General Post Office on Dublin’s O’Connell Street was the scene for the declaration of Ireland as a Republic at the Easter Rising of 1916. The War of Independence was then triggered, which brought about the setting up of the modern Irish State. The GPO is just one of thirteen poignant Irish symbols included in the beautiful collection of jewelry called the History of Ireland. The symbols include Saint Patrick, Round Towers, Vikings, the Norman Invasion, Battle of the Boyne, United Irishmen, Irish Flag, Famine, Famine Ships, GPO, Partition and the Circle of Life.