Plain fact is, the common or garden Langdale axe did manage to find it's way all over our islands in decent amounts. Most of the ones found in my area are worn or broken and discovered during field walking as opposed to any ritual context. I guess, at a basic level, they were just bloody good tools.
One possible explanation for the later Bronze Age Circles could be that, as I think you've already pointed out, it's not only axes that were traded. Once trading allegiences and presumably kinship was forged, it was easier to maintain established links than forge new ones. So trade carried on with the new metal goods. One hint at this could be Stukeleys report of a 'bronze celt' found ritually buried in the entrance to Mayburgh.
The links between Cumbria and Ireland have always been strong, after all they provided you with your patron saint and now they send you free x-rays on a regular basis c/o Sellafield