Bosta (Bostadh) Iron Age House

About

In 1992 a severe storm exposed stone walls of an ancient village which had lain hidden under sand dunes at Bosta Beach, (Bostadh means farm in Old Norse). In 1996 the site was excavated to reveal a well-preserved settlement of houses that dated back to the Late Iron Age (or Pictish Age) of 400-800AD. Located in an idyllic, small valley, with streams, a beautiful beach and rich fishing waters, Bosta would have been a perfect home for these early dwellers. The excavation was recorded in detail and a footprint of the village was laid out, however the vulnerable structures themselves could not be preserved due to the process of erosion and sand build up. Again, they lie hidden beneath the sand, however, based on the original buildings, a life-size reconstruction of a period home was made on more secure ground, using the same techniques that were available at the time the original structures were created.

This delightful Iron Age house at Bosta Beach is open to visitors throughout the summer months and the gives fascinating insight into how early settlers lived. More information about the excavations and some of the finds can be seen in the local museum at Breaclete Community Centre.

In later times Bosta was reoccupied until scarcity of fuel forced the village to be abandoned again in 1875. The remains of traditional Black Houses can still be seen.