Anomalous stone group, Srath Bruithne Íochtarach, Co. Donegal
In the boggy marshlands of Srath Bruithne Íochtarach, County Donegal, a curious circular arrangement of stones emerges from the heather-covered terrain.
Anomalous stone group, Srath Bruithne Íochtarach, Co. Donegal
Positioned on a southeast-facing slope with mountains rising to the northwest and a river valley stretching to the southwest, this potential stone circle measures approximately 8.5 metres in diameter. The low orthostats, barely visible above the surrounding vegetation, form a rough circle that becomes more apparent through the differential growth patterns of plants within its boundary; the interior remains notably drier and free of the rock outcrop that dominates the surrounding landscape.
The site’s authenticity as an ancient monument remains tantalisingly uncertain. Located in an area riddled with natural rock formations, it’s difficult to determine whether these stones represent the remnants of a genuine prehistoric circle, now buried beneath centuries of bog growth, or simply a coincidental arrangement of natural outcrop. The monument’s visibility fluctuates with the seasons, potentially becoming clearer during winter months when vegetation dies back. This ambiguity adds to its mystique, placing it somewhere between archaeological feature and geological curiosity.
The location appears deliberately chosen within the wider sacred landscape of the area. A confirmed stone circle sits just 370 metres to the southwest, whilst a megalithic tomb lies 945 metres to the north, suggesting this valley held significant importance for prehistoric communities. Whether this particular formation joins that ancient constellation of monuments or stands as nature’s mimicry of human endeavour, it remains a compelling reminder of how the Irish landscape conceals and reveals its secrets beneath layers of bog, time, and uncertainty.





