Off the beaten path, outside of Cookstown in County Tyrone, you will find one of Northern Ireland’s most unusual and mysterious sites, Beaghmore Stone Circles. Are they just rocks in a field or is there a strong, unearthly power behind the unique formation? Guest writer DARLA MOORE gives us seven reasons to visit these seven circles.
1. Location, Location, Location!
Beaghmore Stone Circles attract paranormal investigators and curiosity seekers from all over the world, but it is not an easy journey. Maybe that adds to why they are worth the trip. Perched on the edge of the Sperrin Mountain range, the location gives spectacular views of the countryside. Is this why ancient peoples built this formation? Researchers have performed careful excavations of the site only to discover that it was once agricultural fields used for cultivation by a Neolithic tribe who surrendered the crop fields to build the stone formations. Was this as a sacrifice? It is also worth noting that Beaghmore Stone Circles location is one of the best dark sky sites on the island. Due to the elevation and the remoteness, Beaghmore is an excellent location for stargazing.
2. It’s old
No one is sure how old the structure is. It was discovered in the late 1930s and 40s by farmers harvesting peat. As they were cutting away the peat, they realized the stones made a formation and called in experts. Early analysis indicated that the circles were created during the early Bronze Age, approximately 2000-1200 BC. More recent findings using carbon dating show work on the site as far back as 2900 BC.
3. Unknown Origins
Why was this built and what was the purpose? First, look at the name, Beaghmore. This is a translation from Bheitheach Mhor meaning “big place of birch trees”. The site was cleared of birch trees by Neolithic farmers for crops, as farming was how they survived. So why spend years of hard work clearing good farmland only to abandon it and create stone circles? Referring to the name, was it a “big place” because of the square area or was it a “big place” because it was important?
4. Creepy Children
Six of the seven stone circles on this site are said to be “paired”, however, at the end is the circle called Dragon’s Teeth. This circle contains over 800 small stones and researchers have uncovered the remains of children buried within this circle. Visitors often report hearing children while in the circle. Some have even reported feeling a child touch their hand. When investigated using a pendulum, visitors report a very strong counter clockwise spin indicating a strong nurturing female energy.
5. A Portal
Almost directly across the site from the Dragon’s Teeth circle, is a circle with three larger stones. The three larger stones are balanced in such a way that they form a doorway or portal. Local legend claims it to be a portal to or from another dimension. Visitors using a pendulum have found a very strong masculine energy within the circle. This is manifested by the pendulum swinging in a pronounced clockwise motion even in strong winds.
6. Number Seven
At the site there are seven stone circles, six of which are “paired” with a seventh being very different, Dragon’s Teeth. Seven is considered a divine number by many cultures and religions. Seven is also related to moon phases and is used to divide the days equally between the phases. There are also seven major chakras in a human body.
7. It’s Powerful
Every circle will exhibit either a strong male energy by making a pendulum swing clockwise or a strong female energy as manifested by a counter clockwise swing. A combination of the two energies symbolize reality and creation/manifestation. Elements of the circles directly align with both the sun rise and the moon rise on the summer solstice. Some even claim that the circles themselves mark the constellations of Ophiuchus, Serpens Caput, Scorpio, Corona Borealis, Ara, and Telescopium.
Visit for yourself, armed with a pendulum, and discover for yourself the mysteries of Beaghmore Standing Stones.