Travelling by train just became a whole lot more luxurious!
Anyone who has spent a lonely evening at Limerick Junction will know that opting for rail travel in Ireland is not always the most glamorous of options, but that’s all about to change with a new train that looks like it belongs in the movies.
Belmond Grand Hibernian will be the first luxury overnight rail experience of its kind in Ireland with plans for “tours of the magnificent open countryside, dramatic coastal scenery and fascinating cities of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland”.
Belmond say they have acquired ten carriages from Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail, which they are now set to 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 the Company 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. The 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.
The company behind the luxury train have described the experience as “a land cruise”.
“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 traveller 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.”
