Belmond to Launch Luxury Train Tours of Ireland

Belmond has unveiled details of its planned Grand Tours of Ireland which will take place aboard Belmond Grand Hibernian, the new Celtic sister to Belmond Royal Scotsman, and the first luxury touring train in Ireland.

Reservations for the exclusive two, four and six night itineraries throughout the Republic and Northern Ireland are now available on Belmond’s website.

Launching on the rails in August 2016, the first journey will be a four night tour of the Republic of Ireland: ‘Legends and Loughs’.

Travelling from Cork to Killarney, Galway and Westport – highlights include a behind the scenes tour of Jameson’s Whiskey distillery, ‘kissing’ the Blarney Stone and private access to Blarney Castle Gardens. This is followed by the spectacular Lakes of Killarney, the breath-taking scenery of Connemara national park, sporting activities at Ashford Castle, sheepdog trials and traditional Irish music and crafts in Galway.

The two night tour ‘Realm of Giants’ journeys north from Dublin to Belfast and Portrush. Guests have the opportunity to visit the Titanic Experience in Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway from Portrush, a geological wonder reflecting the Irish love of myths and wonders, and a visit to the Old Bushmills Distillery, which produces, among others, one of the finest whiskey’s in the world - the 16-year old single malt.

Both journeys can be combined to create a six night Grand Tour of Ireland.

Keen golfers will enjoy access to some of the world’s finest golf courses as part of Belmond Grand Hibernian’s journeys. The Emerald Isle plays host to over 300 golf courses including more than 50 championship class courses. Daily tee times can be arranged as well as tailor-made golf extensions to before or after the journey.

Interior designs of Belmond Grand Hibernian, by James Parks Associates, draws on Ireland’s unique character and mythology with colours inspired by the flora and fauna of the countryside.

The sleeper carriages accommodate 40 passengers in elegant en-suite cabins: ‘Down’ features shades of oranges and browns; ‘Kerry’ boasts shades of purple and blue; ‘Waterford’ is shades of green; ‘Leitrim’ has accents of red and ‘Fermanagh’ features silver and gold.

There are two dining cars, ‘Wexford’ a light-filled space with Irish motifs and tweed fabrics and ‘Sligo’ an elegant restaurant with a Georgian feel in relaxed greys and warm woods. Both provide a perfect setting to enjoy sumptuous fare with an authentic taste of Ireland, from artisan cheeses to superb seafood and smooth Irish whiskey.

The observation car, ‘Kildare’ blends the warm atmosphere and elegance of an Irish saloon and is set to be the social hub of the Belmond Grand Hibernian from which to enjoy good old Irish craic and stunning scenery from the large picture windows.

Prices start from €3,160 per person for the two-night journey and €5,420 per person for the four-night journey, fully inclusive of all meals, drinks, entertainment and excursions.