Belmond Grand Hibernian, Ireland
There is no better way to enjoy the delights of Ireland than on a journey on the Belmond Grand Hibernian – Ireland. This elegant luxury train offers guests five star accommodation and the taste of the very finest Irish food and drink. As you travel around the Emerald Isle on this beautiful train you will enjoy the sights and delights of rugged coastal cliffs and vibrant cities. The train’s elegant sleeper carriages are inspired by Dublin’s iconic Georgian architecture and on board you’ll enjoy the very best of modern Irish design.
In the two dining cars you’ll get to sample some of the finest Irish cuisine from soda bread to fresh oysters while the poplar Observation Car offers guests all the warmth of a classic Irish saloon with live musicians and animated storytelling. Since its launch in 2016, this sleeper train has become a modern classic and it’s no wonder it regularly gains five star reviews for its superlative train journeys.
Prices from: €2,800
Passengers: 40
Carriages: 10
Departing from: Dublin Station
Journey length: 2 to 6 nights
Belmond Grand Hibernian routes
The Belmond Grand Hibernian – Ireland offers travellers three separate journeys. The first, the ‘Taste of Ireland’ is a two-night trip from Dublin to Belfast, including excursions to Hillsborough Castle, a tour of Kilkenny, a trip to Medieval Mile Museum and Butler House. The second, the ‘Legends and Loughs’ travels from Dublin-Cork-Killarney-Galway-Westport and back over four nights with guests enjoying visits to the Jameson’s Distillery Tour, Galway city centre and a boat trip on Lough Leane.
The final trip is a six-night journey, the ‘Grand Tour of Ireland- Southbound’, a classic round-trip Irish train journey that takes in Dublin, Cork, Westport and Kilkenny with excursions to the Jameson Distillery Tour, a boat trip on Lough Leane, a visit to Westport House and a tour of Hillsborough Castle.
Belmond Grand Hibernian train
Belmond launched the train in 2016 and it became an instant travel hit with its distinctive midnight blue and silver livery. Each of the ten elegant carriages bears the name of an Irish country, for example Sligo and Kerry, and the modern, yet comfortable furnishings pay homage to classic Irish design and colours and iconic Georgian architecture. All the furniture and soft furnishings on the Belmond Grand Hibernian are made in Ireland, the Celtic knot can be found in all the small details and each carriage features the tartan of its namesake county. The train includes five sleeping cars, two dining cars and an observation car.
Cabins on Belmond Grand Hibernian
The Belmond Grand Hibernian’s cabins provide a luxurious place to sleep, with their unique mix of traditional furnishings teamed with modern luxury. The 16 twin and four double cabins (all en suite) are named after Irish counties and boast full-length wardrobes, Egyptian cotton bed linen, luxury toiletries, bathrobes and slippers and a hairdryer. Enjoy a peaceful night’s sleep on the Irish duck down bedding or a siesta watching the emerald views glide by.
Food and drink
Belmond Grand Hibernian offers guests the chance to enjoy Ireland’s finest fare in its two beautifully decorated dining cars, Sligo and Wexford. With sleek silver accents and relaxed greys, Sligo has a contemporary Georgian feel while Wexford boasts native Irish tweeds and Celtic motifs. Seating guests on tables of six, Sligo is the perfect place to dine with your fellow travellers. On your journey you’ll enjoy a daily celebration of fresh Irish cuisine.
Delicious Irish meats and fish are sourced along the journey and you’ll also get the chance to enjoy some Irish artisan cheeses too. The chef’s passion for local produce is reflected in each delicious daily menu. You’ll enjoy wines from around the world with your meals and don’t miss the chance to sample some local Irish whiskies in the train’s popular Observation Car, Kildare.
Belmond Grand Hibernian dress code
There is no formal dress code on board Belmond Grand Hibernian, but guests are encouraged to bring comfortable clothes with them for their excursions, including flat walking shoes. At night, the train has a smart casual vibe with the male guests opting to wear a jacket and open necked shirt, with women choosing dresses or separates. But this isn’t a black-tie sort of train at all.
Fellow passengers
With so few guests on board, it’s a very sociable train journey with a lot of American passengers on board, tracing their Irish roots. In the popular Observation Car, guests are encouraged to meet up and swap their life stories over a whisky or two.
What’s included
A two-night journey on the Belmond Grand Hibernian – Ireland costs from €2,800. The cost of on-board accommodation, all food and drink on board (including alcoholic drinks) and daily excursions are including in the fare for all the journeys.
Pros and cons
A journey on the Belmond Grand Hibernian – Ireland offers guests the chance to experience the very best of Ireland, from its people to its landscapes, whilst enjoying delicious local fare and beverages. The only con is that due to Ireland’s often inclement weather your view might be of a grey rainy day.