Beltany Stone Circle

This historical site commemorates the ancient celebration of Mayday, or the springtime festival of Beltane. During this feast, the Celts lit fires on the hilltops to rejuvenate the weakened winter sun.

Existing from even before the Iron Age, the Beltany Stone Circle contains several huge stones, eight feet tall and larger. They encircle a large area of raised ground, which may have served as tomb or burial mound. The site is somewhat disheveled due to the ravages of time and human disturbance. The purpose of the circle may have possible astronomical connections, as one stone points to the spot on the horizon where the sun rises on the first of May.