A few weeks ago on May 3, my husband and I drove down narrow single track roads in County Donegal, Ireland in search of the Beltany Stone Circle. This stone circle is one of Ireland’s National Heritage sites, in the care of the Office of Public Works, but there were few road signs acknowledging its existence. At least that we could find.
Eventually we arrived at a small parking area next to a field of sheep — a field of sheep being an overwhelmingly common sight in Ireland. We left the car and followed a trail up Beltany Hill to the summit, first past the sheep and then past a small forest. Once we reached the top, we looked to our left and there was the Beltany Stone Circle in the middle of a pasture. 64 standing stones and not another human — or sheep — around.
We approached the stones and took a few pictures of this ancient place. I began to walk around the outside of the circle and its sacredness became palpable.
Experts say circles like this were built in the late Bronze Age (1400-800 BC). Some theorize the Beltany Stone Circle was once a megalithic passage tomb. No one knows for sure what this circle was used for, but it was probably a part of religious rituals and included the cycles of the sun and moon.
Experts also surmise this circle’s name was derived from the May 1 festival, Beltaine, to welcome the beginning of summer. The fact that we were there on May 3 added to the intensity I was feeling.
And then I thought about the fact that pieces of me could have participated in rituals at this circle. The first Charles Naginey, my father’s namesake, left County Donegal in 1795 to come to the United States. Although, since there are no Naginey’s in Ireland, we’re certain his original surname was changed upon arrival in this country.
After completing a loop, I stopped, closed my eyes, and soaked in the feeling. A feeling of belonging, connection, a part of a much bigger story, and never being alone. That feeling returns to me now as I write these words.
I often talk about the theory of “continuing bonds” that encourages people to have ongoing relationships with their deceased loved ones. These relationships are obviously different after a death, but the love doesn’t end and neither does the bond.
However, this feeling I experienced on Beltany Hill was different than continuing bonds I’ve had with individual deceased people. This feeling was about the long lineage of humanity. I am simply one tiny part of those who came before and made my life possible. For that, I am grateful.
After lingering in that feeling for a while, we began our walk back down the hill. On the way to our car, we met a young man and woman hiking to the circle. The man asked if climbing up the hill was worth it. I replied, “Definitely!”
