Perhaps the most popular Celtic Symbol in Ireland is the Irish Claddagh. The story of the Claddagh is one of love (heart), loyalty(crown) and friendship (clasped hands). The legend goes Richard Joyce was a fisherman in a village near Galway, called “Claddagh.” He was kidnapped and sold into slavery for some time. After regaining his freedom, he married his love and used the talents he gained as a slave to develop the Claddagh symbol for her, as it was thoughts of her that kept him going. Now, the Claddagh is very popular as a symbol for Irish Weddings and is engraved on many Irish wedding rings.