I want to get an irish tattoo?

I’m getting another tat this weekend, and I have a few ideas. But I wanted something to represent my Irish heritage. Any ideas besides the overused 4 leaf clover?

The Claddagh

Its a beautifull design with a even more beautiful story behind it

Legend has it that shortly before he was due to be married, a fisherman Richard Joyce was captured at sea by pirates and sold into slavery in Algeria.

He became the property of a rich Moorish goldsmith, who sensing his potential began to train him in his craft. In time Richard Joyce became a fully proficient master craftsman and with thoughts of the girl he had left behind close to his heart, he fashioned the first Claddagh Ring. The heart symbolising love, the pair of hands representing friendship and the crown for loyalty and fidelity.

In 1698 after an agreement with King George III to release all his subjects held in slavery, Richard Joyce found himself once more a free man.

His master, who had by now grown very fond of him offered his only daughter in marriage and half his wealth, if he would remain in Algiers, but Joyce declined and returned home to Galway.

There he found that his sweetheart had waited for his return, and presenting her with the Claddagh Ring they were married.

Good Luck on your search =)

7 Responses

  1. Mislead Devotion Says:

    http://bmeink.com/celtic001.html
    I like this site ^
    But here’s more:

    http://www.yourirish.com/irish-tattoos.htm

    http://www.luckyfishart.com/irtadeche1.html
    References :

  2. good girl Says:

    How about a celtic tree of life.
    References :

  3. heklheraa Says:

    an upturned horseshoe is classic Irish
    References :

  4. Tim p Says:

    How about a bottle of Guinness beer. Irish are famous for their love of beer. Or maybe just the word Guinness or with another word like Guinness Genius. :-)
    References :

  5. Stephanie Says:

    The Claddagh

    Its a beautifull design with a even more beautiful story behind it

    Legend has it that shortly before he was due to be married, a fisherman Richard Joyce was captured at sea by pirates and sold into slavery in Algeria.

    He became the property of a rich Moorish goldsmith, who sensing his potential began to train him in his craft. In time Richard Joyce became a fully proficient master craftsman and with thoughts of the girl he had left behind close to his heart, he fashioned the first Claddagh Ring. The heart symbolising love, the pair of hands representing friendship and the crown for loyalty and fidelity.

    In 1698 after an agreement with King George III to release all his subjects held in slavery, Richard Joyce found himself once more a free man.

    His master, who had by now grown very fond of him offered his only daughter in marriage and half his wealth, if he would remain in Algiers, but Joyce declined and returned home to Galway.

    There he found that his sweetheart had waited for his return, and presenting her with the Claddagh Ring they were married.

    Good Luck on your search =)
    References :
    http://www.senecaceramics.com/claddagh%20coaster%202.jpg

  6. jkc Says:

    I was going to try and come up with a clever idea, but after reading Stephanie’s – well, that is a great story…..
    References :

  7. ਸ਼ਰਾਰਤੀ Shareef Says:

    If you think about it……if you don’t already have something that connects you to this supposed heritage…….besides generic clovers, flags, harps, and blarney stones……i.e. sterotypes………………… does this "heritage" really mean anything?
    How would actual Irish people get tattooed? Check out their sites, conventions, etc.
    References :

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