5 Famous Stone Circles In Ireland

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While exploring Ireland’s beautiful landscape, no one can escape its famous stone circles. They signify a glorious Irish past that is perfect in alignment with its silent sentinels. Ireland’s stone formations are deeply rooted in their mythology and folklore which provide a deeper understanding of its cultural significance.

To help you delve deeper into their mystical beauty, we have compiled a list of the five most intriguing stone circles in Ireland.

(Also read: Explore 10 Most Beautiful Beaches of Ireland)

Read on to know what you shouldn’t miss on your next trip to Ireland.

Historical Context of Famous Stone Circles in Ireland

The very early formations of Ireland’s stone circles are dated back to 1800-700 BC. This era is primarily marked as the Bronze Age, particularly in northwestern Europe, both Ireland and Britain.

Also, some studies indicate that Ireland’s stone formation may be old enough to be built by the first Iron Age ‘Celts’. The Celts were a civilization originating from the headwaters of the Danube River, possibly from 3000-2000 BC. They are believed to be the later ones using Stonehenge, which implies they might be one of the first builders of stone circles.

The construction pattern of these stone circles contains homogenization to indicate forms of consistency. The reason for maintaining this consistency was for ritual, astronomical and prosperity purposes.

For instance, the Drombeg stone circle has 17 standing stones. They are considered a highlighted site for astronomical sightings and religious gatherings. The rocks are believed to be astronomical markers, comprising a series of concentric circles collectively.

A few early beliefs firmly hold that Ireland locations of stone circles were used as burial grounds. There is a possibility that there were human remains of some builders who died while moving ginormous stones from one place to another.

Archaeologists found human deposits in their soil locations, suggesting repeat burials. A huge discovery was made with this, symbolically signifying deaths. Even the strategic placement of the stones shows a specification orientation of time and sunset during winter days, exhibiting a strong association with Pagan rituals or death.

Don’t be afraid. We are to present to you some of the magnetically gripping famous stone circles of Ireland in detail.

5 Famous Stone Circles of Ireland: The Circles of Time

Beltany Stone Circle

Beltany stone circle is nestled 3 kilometres south of Raphoe town in County Donegal of Ireland. It was built in the Bronze Age, assumed to be between 2100 to 700 BC. The encircling landscapes are worth admiring, although a nearby burial ground still makes it more mysterious.

Beltany consists of 64 residual standing stones. The possibilities are that the locals used loose stones to build this marvellous structure that now marks Ireland’s one of the finest stone formations. The 2-metre high structures of stones are southeast of the main circle, laid in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Some of the stones show engravings. Some experts hypothesised that the astronomical alignment of these stones has some strategic pathology. Two sets of stones including alignments with the sunrise during early May days lead to winter solstice.

The quiet surroundings offer sheer solace to the visitors. The visitors felt a powerful and spiritual energy already present at the place. Some have even tried meditating in the middle of the stone circle. If you are a nature lover and a fan of historical monuments, this place should be on your list.

Bocan Stone Circle

Bocan stone circle is located near the village of Culdaff, a peninsula on the north coast of County Donegal. It was built between 1500-2500 BC. To be precise, the stone circle is just outside the village in the open lands in a heather-covered field. With an attractive scenery, you can find Christian churches, passage tombs, art made from rocks and a few Celtic crosses.

At this moment, only seven standing stones are found that are 18.3 metres in diameter. Archaeologists speculated that there were 30 stones in the beginning, which were later fallen or broken. An riveting feature of the circle is the two-stone gateway that clearly indicates an entrance.

Some strong guesses cite that graves and earthy urns were unwrapped from the soils of this stone circle’s location in Ireland. Sometimes, it was used for worshipping the sun and as an inauguration site. A handful of people also insinuate that the stones themselves might be sun temples.

It might look like a dwarf structure, hidden behind the trees from far. The visitors stated that it is not easy to locate as you have to go half a mile more through the village. There is one small sign, signalling you to take a turn. But its glory comes into full view once you reach it. The serene outlook amplifies its beauty with some sheep grazing here and there.

Ardgroom Stone Circle

Ardgroom stone circle is located in County Cork. Ardgroom is a village on the Beara peninsula which is named after the two gravelly hills that came there with a glacier. The famous brightly painted houses are the highlights of the location along with the famous Ireland stone formation.

The remaining 9 standing stones are up to 1.3 to 2 metres high. It appears to be a fine work of art from Neolithic workmanship. High ratings could be granted to the preservation techniques. The surrounding peninsula’s beauty is worth viewing.

A stone box was found under the altar stone that has human bones and remains. The archaeologists supposed that there might be a burial ground here. Moreover, the man whose bones were found in the box was esteemed high by his tribal people. They selected this famous stone circle as his last resting place.

The visitors who have already enjoyed the view of the place before have strongly recommended others. The beautiful landscape, the waters and the stone ring of Beara are never to be missed. You should be mindful enough to take wellingtons with you to avoid wet soil when the rainfall comes.

Drombeg Stone Circle

Located in County Cork, Drombeg stone circle is Ireland’s most visited stone ring to date. The circle is carefully preserved by the National Monuments Act as a precious megalithic site for visitors.

There are 17 standing stones in the stone ring that are about 2 metres high. The middle of the ring is set in line with the winter solstice sunset that is viewed in distant hills.

Its reason for becoming one of the most famous stone circles in Ireland is the discovery of an urn in which the remains of a young adolescent were found. The site had to be excavated in the late 1950s when the run was spaded at the circle’s midpoint.

It is enthralling to find that the radioactive samples were taken from the stone circle, which signifies its activity from c.1100 to 800 B.C. It is further guessed that the stone circle was later used several times throughout the centuries.

Visitors could locate it 400 metres away from the car park alongside a trackway. It is suggested best to visit the circle early in the morning. The fresh sunlight and wind from the waters make a gorgeous scenery to enjoy.

The Grange Stone Circle

The biggest stone circle in Ireland is the majestic Grange stone circle. Being 45 metres in diameter, it comprises 113 standing stones- one of the highest number of stones ever seen in a ring across Ireland.

No one could believe that one of its biggest stones weighs up to 40 tons! It even has a special name out of all of its remaining stones; the name is “Rannach Chruim Duibh”. Its Irish translation suggests the meaning as ‘the division of Crom Dubhs’.

Archaeologists predict that the biggest stone circle in Ireland is not constructed easily. A rope tied to a pole was used in the centre of the circle, in the form of a compass. An earth wall is assumed close to the stone circle, giving way to several enclosures. It is a prehistoric monument that contains precise measurements of the stone standings, suggested to be a ritual site.

Visitors have described a different feeling while being there. There is a spiritual feeling all around, thinking that ancestors held rituals on the same ground 4,000 years ago. There is not much to see around except some sheep. No nearby facilities but parking is available.

Conclusion

Some of the famous stone circles in Ireland have been presented here to appease your curious senses. Many more stone circles are scattered all over Ireland. Each one of them has its own peculiar enchantment and aura that draws you towards them. Only speculations exist about how, when and why they were made.