Exploring 5000 years of Foundations from rituals to farming

Raphoe as a settlement owes its earliest foundations to the Neolithic early farmers. Beltany Stone Circle and the many standing stones and passage tombs in the area bear witness to this ancient foundation. There were many rituals in the ancient farming culture. For thousands of years farming has been the cornerstone of the community. The community, its religious practices evolved from Pagan to early Celtic Christianity, The foundation of Rath Both, Raphoe grew around the early monastery and later Eunan’s Cathedral and into the Plantation Town that is Raphoe today. Cathedral From the ancient monks to the new Plantation town. Come join us on a walk to two sites, Beltany and Raphoe. Discover the ancient foundations of what was known as the Druid Circle. Travel in time through thousands of years of rituals and farming into the presence day. The tour will be lead by historian and archaeologist Mary Harte who lives near Beltany Stone Circle and who grew up in the Diamond Raphoe.

There are two locations for each talk both outside, the first at 12 noon at . Beltany Car Park ( foot of lane to Stone circle ), the second outside the Volt House in the Diamond at 2pm. Appropriate clothing and foot wear for Beltany. There will be a lunch break of approximately 45 minutes between both talks. Volt House will provide toilets and offer seating for anyone bringing lunch.