The S.S. Idaho

The Bell of the S.S. IDAHO has pride of place. Having spent some time with the Keeper of Antiquities, National Museum, it was returned to James by the Receiver of Wrecks in 1992. The IDAHO was a 3,000 ton steamer built in Palmers Shipyard, Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1869. She was owned by the GUION LINE and plied between Liverpool and New York in the 1870’s. She struck the Cunningmore Rock in dense fog in June 1878 and sank with no loss of life.

Passengers and crew escaped in the ship's lifeboats and made their way to Kilmore Quay via the Saltee Islands. James discovered the wreck east of the Cunninginore Rock at a depth of 40 meters in 1976. The distinctive flag of the IDAHO with a black six pointed star in a white diamond on a deep blue background is our adopted House Flag. The display cabinet contains some interesting items bearing the shipping line’s crest – The Liverpool and Great Western Steam Packet Company. Of particular note is the ship’s chronometer, which has been restored to reveal ornate and interesting maker’s inscriptions.