Gary & Danielle's Northern Exposure

We'd never heard of the Beaghmore Stones so were keen to find out what they were all about. To get to our destination we drove on the beautiful Sperrin scenic route and, as the rain held off, we were able to appreciate the great views and skyscapes.

Local guide Sean Clarke has written a book about the stones so we were in good hands as he walked us around the site. A local farmer had discovered the stones back in 1945 when he was cutting peat and an archaeological excavation followed.

There are many theories regarding the stone circles, which are thought to be around 3,000 years old, and Sean took us through the theory that the stones were connected with the sun and may have been constructed as a plea to the gods to help with their crops.

We really enjoyed our visit and wished we could have spent longer wandering around the site soaking up the atmosphere.

BACKGROUND

Beaghmore means 'moor of the birches' and although they are now in open countryside they would originally have been in the middle of a forest. There are seven stone circles with rows of alignments leading from them and a number of cairns.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

The site is open throughout the year. Visitors are free to wander amongst the stones and there is an information plaque giving information about the stone circles. There is a small car park.

COST

No entrance free.

BOOKING

Booking unnecessary.

Blackrock Road

Cookstown

Co Tyrone

SIMILAR PLACES

Discover Northern Ireland www.discovernorthernireland.com

Northern Ireland Tourist Board www.nitb.com

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