Apr 28, 2021
In the ancient Irish texts Cormac's Glossary and Lebor na hUidre, Bealtaine on the 1st of May is mentioned as marking the beginning of summer. This was when two 'lucky fires' were made where cattle were brought between them as a protection rite, where Druids said incantations. Nemedian Druid Mide is said to have lit the first Bealtaine fires on the ancient ceremonial Hill of Uisneach in Westmeath.
There are hills named Beltany associated with this ritual too, two in Tyrone, one in Donegal and Beltany Stone Circle on the summit of Tops Hill also in Donegal. Here a stone with prehistoric art of cup and ring marks has an alignment with the Bealtaine sun.
(at Hill of Uisneach) https://www.instagram.com/p/CON_4vTHDRJ/?igshid=1qf5v1q39wzyi
