Beltany Tops Stone Circle, Co. Donegal.

A large, imposing circle on a hilltop with extensive views, Beltany circle has 64 stones remaining from a possible 80 or so. The circle would once have had a continuos kerbing of stones and inside the circle there had been a flat top cairn which was ruined in a bad excavation attempt in the past.

The majority of the stones are pointed topped and jagged, they range in height from just below a metre to almost 3 metres. Some of the stones bear cup marks on their outside faces though one in particular has over 43 cup marks on its inner face. This stone is placed directly across from the largest stone in the ring and roughly aligns with the early May sunrise of Beltaine, a pre-historic feast time.

Looking across the interior of the circle to the view beyond to the south west.

A panoramic view, as seen from the lane that leads to the circle from the roadside.

This interestingly shaped stone is just a few stones away from the cup marked 'Beltaine' stone and is over two metres high.