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Claddagh Ring pub
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History The Claddagh Ring pub is in Church Road, Hendon. This is somewhat more than 9 miles from Athenry (detailed on the famous sign outside of the pub). Therefore the sign should be ignored if you are looking for directions. It does however, point to a large Irish community in this area, and a long rooted history of the Irish. The pub was originally called the Midland Arms, and was opened during the 1860s by a Mr Tasker to provide liquid refreshment for navvies working on the building of the Midland Railway, and many were Irish. The Irish connection with Hendon goes back at least to the early 19th century when many of that country came here to make the hay, for which Hendon was then famous. Ireland had also suffered from the Potato Famine and many of it's own were travelling to the UK in order to set up a new life. Pub Details The Claddagh Ring attracts many customers from the local area, which includes many students because of its proximity to Middlesex University and its relatively large size. The flowers that decorate the outside make this venue immediately appealing and are replaced regularly. Once inside, the Irish theme is extremely apparent, with Irish flags and Guinness posters adorning the walls. The rest of the interior is all dark wood or painted green, and is decorated with seasonal items. The name "the Claddagh Ring" comes from a traditional Irish ring, given in friendship 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 old walls of the city of Galway in southern Ireland. The ring was first produced in the 17th century during the reign of Queen Mary II, though elements of the design are much older. The Claddagh's distinctive design features two hands clasping a heart, and usually surmounted by a crown. The elements of this symbol are often said to correspond to the qualities of love (the heart), friendship (the hands), and loyalty (the crown). The expression which was associated with these symbols in the giving of the ring was: "With my hands I give you my heart, and crown it with my love." No particular reason could be advanced as to why the quaint village of the Claddagh should be held to have almost proprietary interest in these rings-they are found to have been worn the whole way across Galway County - but it is certain that by the middle of the nineteenth century they were more popular here than elsewhere. They were kept as heirlooms with great pride and passed from grandmother to granddaughter. They were used as wedding rings, and the Claddagh folk were prepared to stint themselves to make money to purchase good examples. The Claddagh Village has now disappeared, but up to about 70 years ago, it was a highly self-contained community, with something approaching local autonomy. There was an elected 'king' who controlled their activities, and their fishing fleet - their main source of income. He alone was allowed to use white sails on his hooker, and he had the rare distinction of flying a flag. So far as we know, it has not been possible to find out what devices appeared on this flag, but it would not be too fanciful to hope that it was some form of joined hands supporting a crowned heart. Facilities * Families: Children welcome until 19.00 * Age Groups: All ages welcome * Size: 500 * Function Rooms, Live Irish and Popular Music, DJs, All Live Sports Awards The pub was given the Shine Corporate 'Best Customer Experience' Award in 2008. Finbar Holian, The Claddagh Ring said “I am delighted to have won this award on behalf of myself and all the staff at The Claddagh Ring, it is a great recognition for us all. We will continue to serve our customers the high standards they are used to and will continue to meet all of their future requirements.” 
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