Beltany stone circle, Bronze Age stone circle on Tops Hill near Raphoe, Ireland
Beltany is a Bronze Age stone circle on Tops Hill near Raphoe, consisting of 64 stones of varying sizes arranged around an earthen platform. Several stones display carved circular markings and cup marks, while a separate standing stone rises about 6 feet (2 meters) to the southeast of the main ring.
This stone circle dates to the Bronze Age, roughly between 2100 and 700 BC, with evidence of earlier Neolithic structures lying beneath. Local excavations during the 1830s uncovered bone remains, indicating that the site had been used for burials in distant ages.
The name comes from Bealtaine, an ancient Celtic fire festival that marked the turning of seasons, suggesting the site may have held ceremonial importance for communities gathering here.
The site sits on a hilltop and is open to visitors, but reaching it involves climbing and requires steady footing on uneven ground. Plan for changing weather and bring suitable clothing, as the elevated position offers little shelter from wind and rain.
A carved triangular stone in the northeast section bears several circular incisions that remain visible to the naked eye, possibly representing astronomical or spiritual concepts. This crafted marking stands apart from other decorations on the site and remains one of its most puzzling features.
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