My time in Ireland had been fantastic--everyone I met was warm and welcoming--until this one store on a timed tour. Because I was on a schedule, I couldn't linger or turn around and return the ring, but if I'd had the time, I absolutely would have. The older woman serving me was unreasonably rude--and (potentially racist?) Although she eventually seemed to realize and got back on track, I was stunned, especially since no one else I met in Ireland behaved this way. It felt like such a poor representation of the country. In the end, I still bought the ring (a decision I regret now) but I've since decided to give it away so I don't have it sitting around, reminding me of that awful experience in Galway. read more

I've worn a claddagh ring for as long as I can remember, so I thought it would be special to get one from Galway as a souvenir during my visit. Thomas Dillon is the original maker, so I figured I'd buy from the best. They have such high quality jewelry and beautiful claddagh rings. Women's are 50 euros, men 60, for just the silver. Maybe a little pricier than other spots, but they have a lifetime guarantee and an original stamp on the inside. They have other jewelry as well and a section in the back full of historical articles and the worlds smallest claddagh ring, which is super funny! I love my new ring and the woman helping us was so knowledgeable and kind! I'd highly recommend Thomas Dillin. read more

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The original Claddagh ring shop in Galway. We came here on a Sunday in November right after they opened at noon. The rings are perfect, and the quality is amazing, but we were a little disappointed in the experience. I was hoping to hear more about the history and meaning of the ring while we were talking to the sales associate, but we were more so fitted for the ring and ushered out of the store. Perhaps during the week would be a better time to have a more personalized experience! Either way - this is the place to get your Claddagh ring in Galway! read more

Thomas Dillon Claddagh Gold - Jewelry Near Me - Galway, G

I met Jonathan the owner after I was referred to him by my tour bus driver to purchase a Claddagh ring. Enjoying talking with him and have not taken my ring of since my purchase. Beautifully handcrafted. read more

Purchased a gold claddagh! It was everything I dreamed of since I was 15 and now 37. Rushed in as they were closing and staff was friendly and not pushy. Brought along 2 tour friends that were interested in the story behind the ring and made a purchase as well. read more

Thomas Dillon Claddagh Gold - Jewelry Near Me - Galway, G

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Purchased the wedding rings my wife and I to this day still wear from here. Absolutely wonderful customer service, fair prices too. I cannot recommend them enough. read more

There are so many stores here that sell Claddagh rings and they are all geared towards tourists in this little area. I'm convinced that locals do not shop in this cobblestoned touristy place for their jewelry. The store itself is small but cute, kind of what you would see in a Christmas movie. Despite the probable overpricing, I am giving this place 4 stars because it is the only store in the cobblestoned Latin quarter that has kids sizes smaller than a size 4. We must have went to about half a dozen stores (or more), at which point I didn't even care what the price was. read more

Thomas Dillon Claddagh Gold - Jewelry Near Me - Galway, G

This was a miss post of mine above. Sorry for the confusion This is a very nice jewelry store Warm and friendly. Very helpful Would visit again Visit the attached museum read more

We stumbled upon Thomas Dillon by happenstance, but it worked out perfectly: despite being almost 100% Irish, my mom has never owned a Claddagh ring. She initially wanted one with a stone, but even those with a little chip ran well above €500. She decided on an 18k solid Claddagh ring (approximately €450) and was eventually helped by a woman in the shop. She had to try on several rings, and it took a while since she didn't want rose gold, which the woman kept suggesting. The woman wasn't particularly friendly nor enthusiastic, but did help with sizing (Mom's fingers were swollen at the time), suggesting she go only a half size smaller, versus the full size smaller Mom thought she should get. That ended up being a very sound recommendation! Mom loves her ring because it came from the ORIGINAL Thomas Dillon, and because the band is much thicker than you find in the States. She was completely satisfied with the purchase and I know she's going to love the ring for years to come. read more

Thomas Dillon Claddagh Gold - Mom outside of Thomas Dillon - Jewelry Near Me - Galway, G

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I did not buy a Claddagh ring at Thomas Dillion because I already purchased a Celtic designed ring to commemorate my trip a day before I came here. In any case, the staff is helpful, they have a large selection of rings in gold and silver, plus earrings and pendants. Many price points available. It is a small shop so you may have to wait your turn to try on the goods. The back room is worth a walk thru. read more

according to wiki - "The Claddagh ring (Irish: fáinne Chladaigh) is a traditional Irish ring given as a token of love or worn as a wedding ring. The design and customs associated with it originated in the Irish fishing village of Claddagh, located just outside the city of Galway. The ring was first produced in the 17th century during the reign of Queen Mary II, though elements of the design date to the late Roman period."... T. Dillion are the original makers of the Claddagh Ring and also the oldest jewellers in Ireland. Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold was established in 1750. The store also has a museum and you can look at all of the moldings and even the world's smallest claddagh ring! also on display is a small claadaugh box of princess grace kelly's! great stop if you're shopping in galway's shopping district and a must purchase if you're looking to get something from the original claddagh ring makers! read more

Thomas Dillon Claddagh Gold - July 2011 - Jewelry Near Me - Galway, G

Okay, Thomas Dillon's Claddagh Gold is more of a jewellery shop than a museum. Nevertheless, you can still learn a lot from visiting the back of the shop. And entry into the "museum" is free! Thomas Dillon patented the famous ring that has been worn by world influential people (queens and presidents) for centuries. The ring originates from the shore of Galway Bay and the design symbolizes love and friendship. . The whole experience of the museum lasts a little over 7 minutes, the time it takes to listen to a recorded voice narrate the history of the Claddagh ring. My favourite thing about the shop was the old framed photos of Galway. Black and white pictures of women wearing shawls and children in baggy trousers brought me back in time to Galway at the turn of the century. I only wished that I could have purchased these iconic shots. read more

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Ah, the romance of the Claddaugh ring... and to think I was so upset with my mother when, on my 15th birthday, she bought me my first real piece of jewelry and it was a gold Claddaugh ring with a garnet shaped heart instead of the ring that I actually wanted. She said, "But it is so cute, with the little hands and the little crown!" Eventually I learned the history of the Claddaugh and still have it today. I learned even more about the Claddaugh on a walking tour of Galway, but I'll spare you that, since the other reviewers have given you a history of the ring ;). Of course, I had to go into the original Claddaugh shop. There is a little room with the history of the Claddaugh. It is a little cozy inside, so if you have backpacks (rucksacks if you're British), be careful. The store has loads of Claddaughs... for all budgets! Some students were with me and they didn't want to say they wanted the cheapest ring there, but simply said that they were on a tight budget, the lady smiled and brought out a selection for them. All sizes too, but if you can't find your size they can fit one for you right then and there. They do have other pieces of jewelry as well, but obviously they are known for the Claddaugh. It is free to go in and have a wander about the 'museum'. read more

What a cute little "museum" tucked inside this jewelry shop. I purchased two items here, one of which I later realized I needed to come back and exchange. They were accommodating and search through every box, trying to locate the exact Claddagh pendant I needed to match the one I already had. A little small, not a lot of inventory, but not much is needed - they are mainly selling one thing- the Claddagh. The history of the Claddagh dates back to 1750, and symbolizes love, hope and friendship. This is the original shop - they are the originators of the iconic symbol, and have been commissioned by the government of Ireland to continue the production of this national historical symbol. Because they are the original, they are the only shop in all of Ireland to have the official Ireland stamp on each ring. My friend bought a gold Claggagh ring, which she hopes to pass on through her family... If you're in Galway, this little shop is too sweet to resist. read more

If you're someone who always wants to get the original version of whatever it is you're looking for, Thomas Dillon is the place to go for the Claddagh ring. It's nice to pay respects to the history of the ring by purchasing from the original makers. When I recently visited Galway, I stopped by to buy a rose-gold Claddagh ring for my pinky finger. Because my pinky is about a 3 to 3.5 ring size, I had to buy from the children's selection (which seemed to be the case for all the other jewelers in Galway). However, this was not an issue, as I wanted a simple ring without any gemstone. The price of my ring was 135 euros, to give you some reference. I believe the sterling silver adult Claddagh rings started at 30 euros, and the gold adult Claddagh rings at 220 euros. I am not positive on those prices, but Thomas Dillon also has a website if you want a better idea of what you're going to pay (or if you don't mind buying the ring online). The reason why I deducted a star from my review is that I felt the service could have been friendlier, but maybe that was a cultural difference. read more

Came across this shop on a walk through Galway. Very helpful and knowledgeable staff.

Great little Claddagh shop, the original! The little museum in the back is worth a visit, even if you're not buying any jewelry. My wonderful mom & sis got me a Claddagh for my birthday, and they sized & cleaned it in shop before I left. It has such nice detail, and is stamped with "TD Original" inside. Very cool! Definitely the best place to get a true Claddagh, and to learn the history behind the ring. :) read more

This is where you want to invest in your Claddaughs and Celtic jewelry. Excellent, Excellent, can't wait to return.

I cannot rave enough about how amazing Thomas Dillon is! I bought my original Claddagh Ring in October 2012 when I was studying in Dublin. I had seen versions of them all over over, but knew that I wanted my Claddagh Ring to have special meaning to me. As a history/museum studies student, the idea of owning a ring made from an 18th century mold was exactly what I wanted! I owned and cherished that ring for 5 1/2 years until I made a poor decision lost it in the process. I pondered the thought of purchasing a different ring, but my mind kept returning back to that amazing Claddagh Ring from Thomas Dillon. I put in my order for a replacement and received my brand new ring in a week and a half. I would also like to mention that I live in Washington State, so it wasn't really feasible for me to go back and get a new ring anytime soon. I greatly appreciate the simple interface and prompt response from TD, and now I'm admiring my brand new, shiny ring that I hope to have for the rest of my life! read more