Brief Summary… 

• Recycled Irish sixpence coins
• Meticulously hand cut, carved and engraved
• Made using only traditional hand tools and techniques
• Necklace chain included, various length options
• Optional free engraved details on reverse
• Optional Silver, Copper or Bonze wee charm
• Hairy Growler Shepherd’s Crook Necklace Catch: Sterling Silver
• Size : Approx 50mm * 28mm
• Symbolism : Love, Loyalty, Friendship, Courage
• Handcrafted & Recycled in Cambridge

A little more detail…

Irish Wolfhounds – Gra dilseacht cairdeas – Irish sixpence – Wolf hounds Recycled sixpence Coins

The Irish wolfhound embodies the convergence of noble strength, gentle companionship, and the profound, often bittersweet, nature of loyalty. Woven into the fabric of Irish myth and history, this breed represents a deep-seated connection to the ancient past and the wild, untamed spirit of the land.

In ancient Celtic society, the wolfhound was the companion of kings and warriors, a status symbol that represented might and prestige. The hounds, known in Irish as cú faoil (hound-wolf), were legendary for their battlefield prowess, used to pull warriors from chariots and hunt large, fierce animals. A warrior who was granted the devotion of a hound was given the honorific prefix “Cú” (hound) in their name. The legendary hero Cú Chulainn, the “Hound of Culann,” is the most famous example, earning his name after slaying a fierce guard dog and vowing to take its place.

Despite their size and formidable history, wolfhounds have long been described as gentle and affectionate companions. This profound duality touches our hearts. The wolfhound’s immense size and noble demeanor are balanced by a gentle, calm disposition. This represents a fierce outward presence guarding a sensitive and loyal heart, or the harmonious blend of strength and compassion.

The most famous “faithful hound” story is that of Gelert, a Welsh prince’s wolfhound, though the tale is known across Celtic lands. The prince returns home to find his baby missing and the hound’s mouth bloody. Believing the dog killed his son, he kills the hound, only to find the baby safe and a dead wolf nearby. The story of Gelert’s noble sacrifice and his master’s remorse speaks to the poignancy of misplaced judgment and unconditional loyalty.

The Irish wolfhound stands as a living symbol of Ireland’s legacy, representing not only the rugged past but also the noble, resilient, and gentle spirit of the Irish people. The six-pence coin was a pre-decimal coin worth 1/40 th of an Irish pound. The Irish name (reul) is derived from the Spanish real. Grá Dílseacht Cairdeas means Love Loyalty Friendship and these words are usually associated with the famous and romantic Claddagh Ring.

I have created this wonderful sustainable, eco-conscious, Love Loyalty Friendship, two coin fusion from a pair of Irish sixpence coins. It is a tricky design to successfully make but one which is very special when finished. The origins of the necklace are clearly visible and the design is very striking.  I hand-cut and carve it. I use traditional hand saws, chisels and files. This process allows me to have a close connection to each piece. Too, this leads to the added bonus of each piece being completely and organically unique.

Complete with silver necklace and trademark Hairy Growler ‘shepherds crook’ safety catch with wee paw print charm cut from a silver sixpence, Copper Victorian penny or Bronze threepence

Handcrafted & Recycled in Cambridge, UK.

Size : Each coin 21mm