Beltany Stone Circle

Frequently mentioned in reviews: Top-rated.online cuts through the clutter, highlighting only the reviews that are most helpful, earn the most likes, or come from the most active contributors. Beautiful place, cute little wooded walk. There is a bit of a hill incline (before you reach the wooded area & clearing). Its about a 10 minute walk. Large with kind of a fun vibe to it. It felt playful, like a tingling, a hide-and-seek feeling. I kept wanting to go back, feeling as if I missed something when I walked away. There are some ruins in the wooded section as well. Maybe old farm walls. Sept 12, 2024. A legacy from the Neolithic era. A mystical place. Entrance and parking are free. It looks impressive, worth a visit. It is a true place of power! The is bigger than I thought. An easy walk up the hill about 300 meters from the car park to the gate. Maybe is a good idea to wear Willy boots as it can be very wet. Had the place to ourselves before the storm hit. Snow capped hills and an eagle watching over us. Perfect ancient bothering. A fine large circle. Very pretty area, a great little walk up from the parking lot. When you get to the the views are amazing and the itself is in good shape. You might have to move some sheep around to get through and watch where you step! Not much in the way of information on so read up before you go. Free to get in. No facilities. Very easy access and beautiful location, slight up hill slope to start. We were passing the area and glad we called at this hidden gem. It’s the largest in Ireland and it didn’t disappoint. If you’re in the area it’s well worth a visit. Beltany is a prehistoric monument located just south of Raphoe in County Donegal, Ireland, consisting of 64 standing stones, though it is believed to have originally included up to 80 stones. With a diameter of about 45 meters (148 feet), it is one of the largest circles in Ireland and dates back to the Bronze Age, around 2100–700 BC. The sits on Beltany Hill, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. ### Historical Significance Archaeological evidence and local lore suggest that the may have originally been a megalithic tomb, possibly a passage tomb, with a raised mound and signs of sepulchral graves uncovered during disturbances in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is considered older than Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids according to some sources. The also features a unique decorated with cup marks, adding to its archaeological intrigue. ### Cultural and Mythological Connections The name "Beltany" is likely linked to the Celtic festival Beltaine (May Day), an ancient fire festival marking the arrival of summer. This connection to fire and ritual is reinforced by folklore and the site's prominence in the landscape, with Beltany believed to have been a center for community gatherings, rituals, or ceremonies rooted in ancient Celtic traditions. An Iron Age head found near the may suggest the site’s importance continued well after its original construction. ### Visiting Information Visitors can reach Beltany via brown directional signs from Raphoe town. The car park is adjacent to a farm, after which a scenic 350-meter walk through meadows leads to the site. The monument is a protected national under the National Monuments Acts and offers panoramic views from its elevated location - 64 standing stones, originally up to 80 - Diameter: approximately 45 meters (148 feet) - Central raised mound, possibly a former tomb or cairn - Decorated stones with cup marks and possible star constellations - Strong mythological and ritual associations with the Celtic Beltaine festival Beltany remains a remarkable and evocative link to the distant past, celebrated for its size, age, and striking location in the Donegal countryside Website change monitoring Monitor any webpage for changes – get instant email alerts when prices drop, new jobs are posted, products come back in stock, or competitors update their sites. See how the number of reviews and average review scores have changed over time. Cathedral Historical landmark