Our Story

The Irish Claddagh Shop- A Faller Brand

In the latter half of the 19th century, Jeweller Stephen Faller had a unique way of reaching his customers. He was known to cycle the length and breadth of the West of Ireland, with clocks on the back of his bicycle, leaving them at various customers homes on a trial basis. By the time he returned some weeks later the families had become attached to his trusty and distinctive clocks. Invariably a sale was made.

Many tales are still recounted today by people as to how a Faller clock ended up in their possession. What we do know is that after years selling throughout Galway, Faller opened his first shop on Dominick Street, Galway in 1879. At the time Dominick Street was Galway’s main shopping thoroughfare as it was sited beside the busy docks and a stones throw from the famed Claddagh fishing village.

In 1899, Stephen Faller, by now a successful businessman decided to move his business to a street further up the town away from the hubbub of the market area. His foresight was rewarded as his new shop on Williamsgate Street began to flourish.

Fallers unique commitment to quality and craftsmanship carried the business successfully through difficult times whilst Ireland fought for its Independence, and then fought through the Great Depression.

By the 1960’s Galway was changing and so indeed was Fallers. At this stage Stephens’s grandson Cornelius had taken over the reigns and his time in charge saw Fallers make ground breaking strides.

For a start, so as to accommodate a much larger and demanding clientele, Fallers bought the shop adjoining their store (Forkins Drapery) and extended it into a giftware shop selling mainly Waterford Crystal.

In 1963 John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy visited Galway and were presented by Cornelius with a pair of Fallers Claddagh rings. Following the Kennedy visit, Galway and indeed Ireland became a prime tourist destination.

Today, our shop is still located in the same premises in Galway on Williams Gate Street where it is home to the our beautiful range of Claddagh Rings.