Figure 1.--Here is a Clyde Shipping Company excursion to Ireland in 1908. These were more expensive than rail excursions, but still within the reach of many families. The excursions were organised for recreational organisations such as the Mother's union, church groups and other organisations that wanted to book the boat for a sailing. Hense the excursions were family affairs.

Excursions became very popular in the late 19th century. Usually they involved travel by train. But trains were not the only mode if transit for excursions. Ship excursions were not nearly as common as train excursions, but steam ship lines did operate several. Here is a Clyde Shipping Company excursion to Ireland in 1908. These were more expensive than rail excursions, but still within the reach of many families. The excursions were organised for recreational organisations such as the Mother's union, church groups and other organisations that wanted to book the boat for a sailing. Hense the excursions were family affairs. The length of the sailing was 2 days. There was hotel accommodation for the travelers. The sailing included sight seeing trips and the shipping company hired a local transport company to provide the horse drwan transport to Blarney Castle, of course to kiss the Blarney Stone. The shipboard photographs show boys in sailor suits. Notice the sailor cap and large tam. There is an older boy wearing a full length coat and it is fasten by very large buttons. The children are playing a skipping game in one picture. The other picture shows a boy walking along the deck with two female adults. The children seen very happy are are laughing as they are photographed. The excursion in 1908 involved horse-drawn carraiages to Blarney Castle. These were possibly the some of the last children to experience riding in horse drawn vehicles. Soon it would be motor vehicles which would take people on sight seeing trips. I believe that the excursion was photographed in early spring 1908.

Source

Oliver, George. Photographs & Local History (Batsfird: London, 1989). ISBN 07134 56787

Created: 10:34 PM 9/26/2006
Last updated: 10:35 PM 9/26/2006