Belmond, a leading operator of luxury hotels, tourist trains and river cruises operating across 22 countries, has announced it will launch its first train in Ireland next summer.
The company said the Belmond Grand Hibernian will be the first luxury rail experience of its kind in Ireland, which is anticipated will tour "the magnificent open countryside, dramatic coastal scenery and fascinating cities of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland".
Belmond has acquired ten carriages from Irish Rail which the company will transform into a luxury sleeper train with accommodations for up to 40 guests travelling in 20 en-suite cabins.
The company added the interior design project will "draw inspiration from Dublin's classic Georgian architecture and blend it with elements of Ireland’s ancient folklore and traditions, evoking the country’s celebrated cultural heritage with a contemporary twist".
Belmond Grand Hibernian will feature four interconnecting suites to accommodate families, two restaurant cars and an observation bar car, and will be offering two, four and six night rail experiences, with all-inclusive prices reportedly starting from an eye-watering €3,200.
Belmond Grand Hibernian will be Belmond's seventh luxury train, building on its 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.
Click here to see promotional video introducing the Belmond Grand Hibernian
