Belmond Grand Hibernian is the name of a luxury train service in Ireland, due to be launched on Tuesday 30th August 2016. The service will be operated by Belmond, the operator of several other luxury trains including the Venice-Simplon Orient Express.

The Belmond Grand Hibernian boasts accommodation for up to 40 guests in elegant, private en-suite cabins. Design draws inspiration from Dublin’s classic Georgian architecture, blended with elements of ancient folklore and tradition. The result proudly reflects the country’s cultural heritage with an indulgent, contemporary twist.

Belmond Grand Hibernian's vacations by rail include a selection of two-, four- and six-night journeys. All depart from Dublin Heuston and encompass the highlights of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

The tour itinerary will be as follows and for the 2016 season will operate between Tuesday 30th August until Monday 24th October.

LEGENDS AND LOUGHS

5 Days / 4 Nights, from €5,420 per person

Tuesday:
Route: Dublin Heuston - Cork - Thurles - Charleville.

Depart from Dublin in the early afternoon and travel to Cork, enjoying afternoon tea en-route.

Arrive in Cork in the early evening and transfer to the Jameson Experience for a private tour. Learn about the history of the whiskey-making process before a tasting session.

Rejoin the train for a spectacular dinner as it continues to Charleville for the night.

Wednesday:
Route: Charleville - Cork - Mallow - Killarney - Charleville.

After breakfast, head off for a private tour of Blarney Castle and Gardens, home to the fabled Blarney Stone.

Return to Cork for an optional visit to the English Market, a spectacular culinary enclave selling the best local ingredients.

After lunch, continue to the Lakes of Killarney. A tour by traditional jaunting car, a pony and trap, is followed by a boating excursion on Lough Leane.

Back on board, dinner is served as the train journeys back to Charleville for the night.

Thursday:
Route: Charleville - Portarlington - Galway - Athlone.

Enjoy breakfast as the train heads towards Galway, where you will alight for a city tour. Take the opportunity to visit one of the many local craft centres.

An optional excursion to the dramatic Cliffs of Moher will also be available during the day.

Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, accompanied by live music, champagne and oysters.

Head back on board for dinner as the train continues on to Athlone where it will stable for the night.

Friday:
Route: Athlone - Westport - Roscommon.

Relax as the train winds through the countryside towards Westport.

Alight for a transfer to Ashford Castle, where you'll enjoy an interactive falconry experience plus a guided walk of the hotel grounds.

Depart from the castle and head through the otherworldly Connemara National Park.

Rejoin the train and savour a farewell gala dinner.

Saturday:
Route: Roscommon - Dublin Heuston.

The train makes its final journey back to Dublin, where you will disembark for your onward travel arrangements.

REALM OF GIANTS

3 Days / 2 Nights, from €3,160 per person.

On Saturday the train will continue to Belfast on the Realm of Giants tour.

Route:
Dublin Heuston - Dublin Connolly - Belfast Central - Dundalk.

Depart Dublin Heuston station and relax with an indulgent Irish afternoon tea.

Arrive in Belfast, and head off for a private, guided tour of The Titanic Experience, an award-winning attraction detailing the history of the ill-fated ocean liner.

Return to the train and enjoy a leisurely dinner followed by the evening’s entertainment while heading to Dundalk.

Sunday:
Route: Dundalk - Dublin Connolly - Waterford - Muine Bheag.

Monday:
Route: Muine Bheag - Dublin Heuston.

Savour your last breakfast aboard as the train returns to Dublin, where you will disembark for your onward travel arrangements.

The above two tours can be combined into a week long GRAND TOUR OF IRELAND
7 Days / 6 Nights, from €7,722 per person.