Belmond to Launch Luxury Train this Summer
- brittanypanter
- 2016年1月20日
- 讀畢需時 2 分鐘
All aboard! Ireland’s first luxury touring train, the Belmond Grand Hibernian, is set to launch this summer, with two-, four- and six-night itineraries that will showcase the best of the Republic and Northern Ireland.
The Belmond Grand Hibernian will make its debut with a four-night tour of the Republic of Ireland that has been dubbed ‘Legends and Loughs.’ Starting on Aug. 9, the four-day journey will transport travelers from Dublin to Cork taking in the best of the republic en route. Stops and attractions along the way include a private tour of the Jameson distillery in Dublin where whiskey lovers will learn how it is made and quaff the prized spirit during a tasting session. Day two includes a private tour of Blarney Castle and Gardens (with the option to kiss the Blarney Stone of course!) before returning to Cork and a visit to the English Market. The day continues with a stop at the Lakes of Killarney where you can fish for trout and salmon after a tour by jaunting car (which is not too dissimilar to a pony and trap) and a boating excursion on Lough Leane.
On day three you will enjoy breakfast aboard as the train heads to Galway where it will stop for a tour of the city and a pub lunch that comes with live music, Guinness and oysters. There is also an option to explore the Cliffs of Moher. Dinner on day three is back on board as the train continues on to Athlone where it will stay overnight. The following morning the train continues on through the countryside towards Westport, stopping to allow for a trip to Ashford Castle where clay pigeon shooting, falconry and archery are on offer in the hotel’s grounds. Wrap up the day by heading through Connemara National Park, stopping en route for a sheepdog trial. The evening finishes with a gala dinner onboard. The following day is spent on the train going back to Dublin.
The two-night ‘Realm of Giants’ tour journeys north from Dublin to Belfast and Portrush, visiting the Titanic Experience in Belfast, the Giant’s Causeway and the Old Bushmills Distillery for a sample or two of the famous 400 year old whiskey.
Fancy both journeys? The six-night Grand Tour of Ireland combines both and also includes a city tour of Dublin.
The sleeper carriages accommodate just 40 passengers in 20 luxury en suite cabins (16 twin and four double cabins). Each carriage is designed to reflect the colors of the tartans from the county after which they are named: ‘Down’ features shades of oranges and browns; ‘Kerry’ has shades of purple and blue; ‘Waterford’ is green; ‘Leitrim’ is red; and ‘Fermanagh’ features silver and gold.
There are two dining cars: ‘Wexford’ is a light-filled space with Irish motifs and tweed, while ‘Sligo’ is more elegant with a Georgian feel with greys and warm wood. The observation car, ‘Kildare,’ combines the atmosphere of an Irish saloon and stunning scenery from large windows.
Prices will start from €3,160 per person for the two-night journey and €5,420 per person for the four-night journey and includes all meals, drinks, entertainment and excursions.
