Belmond Grand Hibernian, first luxury touring train in Ireland, to be launched in 2016.
Ireland expects to inaugurate its first luxury train in Ireland in summer 2016. Belmond Grand Hibernian will be the first luxury overnight rail experience of its kind in Ireland, which it is anticipated will tour the magnificent open countryside, dramatic coastal scenery and fascinating cities of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Belmond, managers of 45 luxury hotels, tourist trains and river cruises operating in 22 countries, has acquired ten carriages from Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail Company, which the will transform into a luxury sleeper train with accommodations for up to 40 guests travelling in 20 elegant, en-suite cabins. The interior design project is being carried out by James Park Associates, who have worked on other train projects for Belmond including the Belmond Northern Belle and Eastern & Oriental Express, and will draw inspiration from Dublin’s classic Georgian architecture and blend it with elements of Ireland’s ancient folklore and traditions.
Belmond Grand Hibernian train will feature four interconnecting suites to accommodate families, two restaurant cars and an observation bar car.
With a name derived from Hibernia, the classical Latin name for the island of Ireland, Belmond Grand Hibernian will journey throughout the island offering two-, four- and six- night rail experiences that visit the major destinations of the North and South, including the train’s Dublin base, Belfast and Cork.
“Belmond Grand Hibernian will be Belmond’s seventh luxury rail experience, building on our expertise in operating a stable of the world’s most famous trains, including Belmond Royal Scotsman, currently the UK’s only luxury sleeper train, and the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express,” said John Scott, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Ireland offers today’s luxury traveler a rich and diverse cultural experience, with unrivalled scenery and warm hospitality that fit perfectly with Belmond’s offering of enriching and authentic hotel, rail and river cruise experiences.”
