Sorry, mooman, but that ain't so. The ring finger bit is an american addition. I often see Irish ex-pats wearing the ring on other fingers. And the ring is usually silver on them. Not sure of the significance of that, although I read somewhere that silver was used and preferred, for jewellry more often in Ireland than gold. Not sure where I read that or if it was true. The story of Joyce may or may not be accurate. There are several, but his is my favorite. Most of the Irish folks I know indicate to me that the only part of the traditions that have developed that probably are Irish is the bit about heart out = available, heart in = taken. Worn on any finger with the heart in simply indicates taken. Another tradition that appears to be Irish in origin is that the Claddagh ring should always be a gift. As far as the term "claddagh", it is one of the terms in Irish for a group of cottages. I am told that there is a section of Galway City that is referred to as "The Claddagh", although I don't know if that is true. Using it to refer to the ring seems to fit in with the Joyce story of longing for home.

Whatever the origins, this ring is one of those traditions that are shared on both sides of the pond, and have become one of the ways that the Irish, and their cousins around the world are able to spot one another.

Mick