Claddagh

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article is about the Irish village. For other uses, see Claddagh (disambiguation).

Claddagh
An Cladach

Location

WGS-84 (GPS) Coordinates:
53°15′54″N 9°08′13″W / 53.265, -9.137

Statistics

85 m

Population (2006)

2,614

Website: www.galwaycoco.ie

The Claddagh (Irish: An Cladach - meaning, "a stoney beach") is a beach area in the western part of Galway, Ireland. People have been gathering seafood and fishing from the area for millennia. Historically, its existence has been recorded since the arrival of Christianity in the 5th century. It is one of the oldest former fishing villages in Ireland.

The Claddagh was once a fishing village located west of Galway city centre, just outside the old city walls where the Corrib River meets Galway Bay. It is in clear view of The Spanish Arch, which was the location of regular fish markets where the locals supplied the city with seafood.

The Claddagh on a cold January day

During the 19th century the Claddagh attracted many visitors, including writers who spread its fame. Irish-speaking into the 20th century, the village was replaced by a council-housing scheme in the 1930s.

In recent years, the city of Galway has expanded considerably, so the Claddagh is now considered to be part of the city centre. This keen location has also caused house prices to inflate substantially over the last 10 years, making The Claddagh one of the most expensive locations to live in Galway.

The Claddagh area contains a National School, Community Centre and a Catholic Church.

The Claddagh is famous for the Claddagh ring, which is popular among those of Irish heritage as both a friendship and wedding ring. The design consists of two clasped hands holding a crowned heart, and symbolizes love, friendship and loyalty.