Beltany Stone Circle
Location: Beltany, Co. Donegal
Classification: Stone Circle
SMR Code: DG070-026001-
Rating:
Beltany stone circle is certainly one of the largest stone circles in Ireland, measuring a massive 45 metres in diameter. 64 stones stand around a tumulus or low earth mound - about 50cm in height - originally the site would have contained around 80 stones but was disturbed during the early 19th century. One of the stones is decorated with cup marks and appears to be aligned with the sunrise at Bealtaine (marking the beginning of Summer). To the southeast of the circle is an out-lying standing stone 2m high that, in combination with stones 24 and 53, is aligned on the Mid-winter sunrise. It is thought that the stone circle may have been covered by a cairn at some point during its lengthy history.
Recent research has provided evidence dating the stone circle to around 3,000 BCE. One theory is that it represents the ruins of a burial mound or passage tomb. The site is thought to have been in use for a long period of time. The discovery near the circle of a small half-round stone sculpted head, dating to the early Iron Age, provides evidence of the enduring use of the site for ritual practices.
The name Beltany was in Victorian times thought to be a corruption of 'Baal tinné', meaning the 'fire of Baal', and was thought to be where that Deity was worshipped. However, the name is now thought to be associated with the festival of Bealtaine which marked the beginning of Summer in the ancient calendar. Beltaine is one of the four gaelic festivals that include Samhain, Imbolc, and Lughnasa.
Description
Beltany stone circle is certainly one of the largest stone circles in Ireland, measuring a massive 45 metres in diameter. 64 stones stand around a tumulus or low earth mound - about 50cm in height - originally the site would have contained around 80 stones but was disturbed during the early 19th century. One of the stones is decorated with cup marks and appears to be aligned with the sunrise at Bealtaine (marking the beginning of Summer). To the southeast of the circle is an out-lying standing stone 2m high that, in combination with stones 24 and 53, is aligned on the Mid-winter sunrise. It is thought that the stone circle may have been covered by a cairn at some point during its lengthy history.
History
Recent research has provided evidence dating the stone circle to around 3,000 BCE. One theory is that it represents the ruins of a burial mound or passage tomb. The site is thought to have been in use for a long period of time. The discovery near the circle of a small half-round stone sculpted head, dating to the early Iron Age, provides evidence of the enduring use of the site for ritual practices.
Folklore
The name Beltany was in Victorian times thought to be a corruption of 'Baal tinné', meaning the 'fire of Baal', and was thought to be where that Deity was worshipped. However, the name is now thought to be associated with the festival of Bealtaine which marked the beginning of Summer in the ancient calendar. Beltaine is one of the four gaelic festivals that include Samhain, Imbolc, and Lughnasa.
Gallery
Accessibility Rating: Easy
There is a small gravel parking area at the site and the monument is about 300m up a narrow lane. The path gets quite steep and is unpaved, meaning it is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.
Beltany Stone Circle is situated a few miles south of Raphoe town. This is about a 20-minute drive from Letterkenny and is well sign-posted.
Accessibility
Accessibility Class: Easy
There is a small gravel parking area at the site and the monument is about 300m up a narrow lane. The path gets quite steep and is unpaved, meaning it is not accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.
Facilities
Beltany Stone Circle is situated a few miles south of Raphoe town. This is about a 20-minute drive from Letterkenny and is well sign-posted.
Map
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