A ‘Magic’ Voyage

Departing from Belfast on the morning of Tuesday, 20 June 1899, the first-class steamship, the SS. Magic set out upon an eight-day voyage of the Western and Northern Islands of Scotland. Chartered for the comfort of 130 men and women on board, the vessel was to bring members from the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland, and fellows of the ‘kindred associations’ of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland and Cambrian Archaeological Association to investigate the history of Celtic Art, Archaeology and Ecclesiology.

In preparation for the tour, the RSAI commissioned an elaborately bound guidebook, with illustrations, photos and descriptions of historical sites which encompassed Sanda Island to Rònaidh. Building upon the guidebooks material, this interdisciplinary talk will be supported by photographs and drawings from the archives of HES and the collections of the RSAI for contemporary audiences to re-experience what was described as a uniquely Celtic gathering.