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Stones tell the story of Ireland’s ancient past. You’ll find them dotted throughout the lush, green countryside – standing tall like a monolith, heaped atop one another, laid out in mysterious patterns. These atmospheric sites have taken on a timeless quality down through the millennia. As an island of storytellers, it should come as no surprise that these old, old structures have also become deeply entwined with Irish myth, legend and folklore.
Intrigued? Great, because we’ve rounded up 10 of the very best prehistoric attractions across the island. Let’s delve into a world of ritual altars, burial chambers and magical ceremonies...
2. Ballynoe Stone Circle, County Down
Backed by the Mourne Mountains in the distance, the Ballynoe Stone Circle occupies a picturesque location in the heart of the County Down countryside. An archaeological dig at the site revealed a stone slab and a stone cist, suggesting the site once featured a court tomb or a passage tomb. Backing up this interpretation, the cremated remains of several people were found here, along with some Neolithic pottery. All of which leads experts to place this development in the late Neolithic or early Bronze-Age period.
Access to this large stone circle is via a beautiful enclosed track made up of gorse bushes and dry stone walls. It’s a great spot for a few pretty photos.
Ballynoe Stone Circle, County Down
3. Beltany Stone Circle, County Donegal
Sitting atop a hill – called Tops Hill no less – just outside the town of Raphoe in County Donegal, the Beltany Stone Circle offers stunning views out over the Irish countryside. In such a naturally beautiful setting, it’s no wonder prehistoric settlers decided to build a monument here that would stand the test of time.
Some 64 stones are placed in a circular fashion around a central burial mound at this impressive site, which dates from circa 2,100-700 BCE. As for the name, Beltany is derived from the ancient spring festival of Bealtaine, which is associated with the lighting of hill-top fires in a rekindling of the sun. One wonders what such an old ritual ceremony would have been like at this special place.
Beltany Stone Circle, County Donegal
