The Grand Hibernian

Belmond began in 1976 with the purchase of the Belmond Hotel Cipriani in Venice by American entrepreneur James B Sherwood, and has grown to become the ultimate in luxury travel experiences worldwide. Belmond are truly travel experts with a global collection of 46 iconic hotels, trains, river cruises in 22 countries from America, Europe, Africa and Asia.

One of Belmont’s finest is the Belmond Grand Hibernian train in Ireland. The Hibernian covers the breadth of Ireland from acres of beautiful fields, rustic coasts and stops in some of Irelands most illustrious cities.

Each individual carriage has the name of an Irish county and the interiors are inspired by Dublin’s Georgian architecture and have been finished with soothing understated furnishings. The observation car offers all the warmth of a classic saloon full of atmosphere from the live music and energetic storytelling of Irish folklore and local legends.

The sleeper cabins exude a warm Irish ambience with a mix of modern luxury and traditional Georgian design. There are 16 twin and four double ensuite cabins to choose from and each provide a suitably indulgent place to rest after a long day traveling the Emerald Isle. With the 100% natural Irish duck down bedding it would be hard not to unwind and relax.

The dining experience on the Hibernian surpasses some of Dublin’s most prestigious dining venues and offers guests a true culinary taste sensation. The restaurant cars are furnished with silver and chrome accents paired with warm woods and soft greys complimenting the native Irish tweeds and Celtic motifs bringing together an elegant and relaxing dining experience.

The Head Chef Alan Woods on board the Hibernian specialises in superb local cuisine from artisan cheeses to smoked fish which are sourced along the train’s journey. Local, seasonal ingredients are interpreted with modern finesse from Head Chef Alan Woods. Embark on a menu that can carry you across the Beara Peninsula for scallops down to Donegal for turf-smoked salmon. Whatever the route, anticipate a gastronomic voyage.  This passion of local produce and delicacies is certainly reflected in each menu the team provide.

The Grand Hibernian has 3 main tours to choose from:

Taste of Ireland – 2 night experience – This exciting two night trip from Dublin whisks you on an unforgettable journey from Belfast in the north to Waterford in the south.

Legends and loughs – a 4 night experience – This unforgettable 4 night trip takes you from Dublin to see the memorable sights of the Republic of Ireland. The Journey will take you to Cork, Killarney, Galway and Westport.

Grand Tour of Ireland – 6 night experience – This epic journey combines the two tours into one fabulous package.

If these tours don’t quench your thirst for Irish travel the Hibernian does offer extended tours. You may require an additional day in Dublin to explore the Trinity College Library or alternatively if golf is what you love, you are sure to enjoy one of Ireland’s many courses.

Ireland boasts 300 golf courses, 50 of which are championship class. From Lahinch golf club in County Clare to the Royal Portrush golf club in County Antrim – is the only golf course in Ireland to have hosted the Open Championship – Belmond has it all covered.

Whichever trip you choose, all include 24 hour steward service, all meals on the train, all drinks included and traditional on board entertainment. The itineraries fill your days with culture from a visit to the award winning Titanic experience, City tours of Dublin and Galway to a Jameson experience. If, however the experiences mentioned aren’t for you, Belmond do offer an exclusive charter experience, allowing you to charter the Belmond Grand Hibernian in its entirety for up to 40 guests.

For reservations or more information call 0845 077 2222 or visit their website here.

All images credited to Belmond.