While pagan Celts wove together epic stories of supernatural voyages to islands bathed in love and joy, Celtic Christians passionately embraced making this fantastical nirvana a living reality. Driven before the wind of the Spirit, these hardy pilgrims set sail to islands such as Skellig Michael, Iona and Lindisfarne without regard for their personal safety or sanctuary. They carried with them first-rate scholarship and a delight in art and poetry. This new wave of spirituality, today known as 'Celtic Christianity', was very much dictated by people and politics.

The Irish saint Brigid led a monastery for women and men, princesses and slaves while Arthur defended Celtic Britain against the might of English invasion, antagonizing the church in the process. The forthright Irish missionary Columban was deported from Burgundy while Aidan, the founder of the Lindisfarne monastery, died protesting against his king. These were passionate people with passionate lives. While some slammed the gates shut to the sin of the outside world, far more worked alongside common folk to heal the wounds of injustice and wrongdoing. And their unique brand of Christianity flourished as increasing calamity struck. Experienced author Fay Sampson skilfully weaves the rich heritage of Celtic history and other information about legends and sainthood into an unbroken story. Visions and Voyages is a true celebration of the pilgrim spirit that characterized the Celtic era and which still has the power to challenge and resonate with us today.