Belmond Grand Hibernian – Grand Tours of Ireland – Castles, Causeways and the Craic

Dates: Throughout 2018

The Belmond Grand Hibernian is the new Celtic sister to Belmond Royal Scotsman and the first luxury touring train in Ireland. Reservations are now available for the exclusive two, four and six night itineraries throughout the Republic and Northern Ireland.

A Taste of Ireland – Prices from £$3,595 per person

The two night tour, ‘A Taste of Ireland’, journeys north from Dublin to Belfast and Portrush, visiting the award-winning Titanic Experience in Belfast, the astonishing Giant’s Causeway from Portrush, a geological wonder reflecting the Irish love of myths and wonders, and the Old Bushmills Distillery for a sample or two of the famous 400 year old whiskey.

Departures Dates for The Grand Hibernian – A Taste of Ireland:

April 14th, 21st, 28th / May 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th / June 9th, 16th, 30th / July 14th, 21st, 28th / August 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th / September 1st, 8th, 22nd, 29th / October 6th, 13th

Legends and Loughs – Prices from £$5,995 per person

Launched in August 2016, this journey is a four night tour of the Republic of Ireland: ‘Legends and Loughs’. Travelling from Cork to Killarney, Galway and Westport – highlights include behind the scenic tour of Jameson’s Whiskey distillery, ‘kissing’ the Blarney Stone and private access to Blarney Castle Gardens. 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.

Departures Dates for The Grand Hibernian – Legends and Loughs:

April 10th, 17th, 24th / May 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th / June 5th, 12th, 26th / July 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st / August 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th / September 4th, 18th, 25th / October 2nd, 13th

Grand Tour of Ireland – Prices from £$8,950 per person

Both journeys can also combined to create a six night ‘Grand Tour of Ireland’.

Travelling on this stylish new train will be akin to a land cruise with daily excursions and experiences that will invite guests to immerse themselves in authentic Ireland. From fiddles and flutes that will get toes tapping in a traditional pub to the fabulous folklore tales of mischievous faerie folk, flame-haired pirates and ghostly banshees and the literary prowess of some of the world’s most famous wordsmiths including Oscar Wilde, James Joyce and Samuel Beckett.

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 before or after the journey.

Departures Dates for The Grand Hibernian – Grand Tour of Ireland:

April 10th, 17th, 24th / May 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, / June 5th, 12th, 19th, 26th / July 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st / August 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th / September 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th / October 2nd, 9th

Prices will start from £$3,595 per person for the two-night Taste of Ireland journey, £$5,995 per person for the four-night Legends & Loughs journey and £$8,950 per person for the six-night Grand Tour of Ireland journey. Fully inclusive of all meals, drinks, entertainment and excursions.

Your Journeys:

Please note: The Grand Tour of Ireland combines the itinerary of the Legends & loughs and a Taste of Ireland.

A Taste of Ireland – your journey (2 nights)

Day One: Dublin to Belfast

Leave Dublin Heuston Station in the early afternoon and enjoy an indulgent Irish Afternoon tea as the train travels north through the Irish countryside, enjoying an indulgent tea on the way. On arrival in Belfast you are accompanied by an expert guide on a private tour of The Titanic Experience, an award-winning visitor attraction that brings to life; through special effects, full-scale reconstructions and innovative interactive features, the history of the celebrated but ill-fated ocean liner in the city where it all began. Back on board a leisurely dinner is followed by evening entertainment. Overnight in Belfast. 

Day Two: Belfast to Coleraine

This morning the train journeys north to Coleraine and after an early rise you disembark to visit the Giant’s Causeway, an astonishing area of around 40,000 perfectly interlocking basalt columns. Afterwards, step inside the splendid visitor centre to discover the facts and the myths behind this World Heritage Site. Rejoin the train for a hearty brunch before visiting the wild north coast of Northern Ireland. Take the opportunity to cross the exhilarating Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge joining the mainland to a small island off the coast. Back on board enjoy a visit to Old Bushmills Distillery to discover the secrets behind the 400-year-old whiskey and enjoy a sampling or two. A sumptuous dinner on board is rounded off with a performance by traditional local musicians in the Observation Car.

Alternative Golf Option: Disembark in Coleraine and transfer to Royal Portrush Golf Club, Portstewart Golf Club or Castlerock Golf Club, rejoin the train in Coleraine.

Day Three: Dublin

A leisurely breakfast is served as the train travels south and returns to Dublin Heuston Station, your journey’s end.

Legends and Loughs – your journey (4 nights)

Day One: Dublin to Cork 

Depart Dublin Heuston Station in the early afternoon and enjoy a sumptuous Irish Afternoon tea as the train makes its way through the lush Irish countryside to Cork. You are accompanied by the resident expert on an early evening tour of the historic Jameson distillery, home to the world’s largest pot still. Rejoin the train for a leisurely dinner followed by local entertainment in the Observation Car.

Day Two: Cork to Killarney

Breakfast is served as the train travels south for a visit to Blarney Castle, home to the legendary Blarney Stone. Enjoy exclusive access on a private tour of the ruins with morning tea in the stunning grounds. Afterwards there is the option to visit Cork’s enticing English Market, accompanied by a chef from the train, where you can select fresh local produce to be sampled later on board. Lunch is served as the train continues west towards Killarney on the shores of Lough Leane. A ride in a traditional jaunting car (pony and trap) takes you through the beautiful national park to scenic Ross Castle, where you enjoy a boat trip around the islands of the lake. After a delicious dinner on the train, local musicians may inspire you to leap to your feet for some traditional céilí!

Alternative Golf Option: Disembark in Cork to play golf at Cork Golf Club, rejoining the train at Killarney; alternatively disembark in Mallow to tee off at either Killarney Golf & Fishing Club, rejoining the train at Killarney or Tralee.

Day Three: Limerick to Galway

The train heads north from Limerick Junction. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast as the train makes its way to Galway. Arriving into Galway you will alight for a city tour. Also take the opportunity to visit one of the many local craft centres including a traditional basket weaving workshop. Lunch will be served in a local pub where you can enjoy local music, Guinness and oysters. Returning to the train, dinner will be served as you bid farewell to Galway. The train stables overnight in Athlone.

Day Four: Galway to Westport

Spend a relaxing morning on board enjoying a leisurely brunch as the train makes its way north to Westport. On arrival, disembark for a visit to Ashford Castle in the heart of Connemara National Park, where you can stride out on a guided walk of the estate or try your hand at fishing, clay pigeon shooting, archery or falconry. During a scenic drive through County Mayo enjoy a brief stop to witness a sheepdog trial before rejoining the train for dinner as it meanders through the verdant countryside.

Day Five: Dublin

Breakfast is served as you return to Dublin, your journeys end.

The Belmond Grand Hibernian

Interior designs of the 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 overall design is fresh and contemporary yet underpinned with tradition, mixing romance with heritage and a breath of fresh Irish air.

Each carriage reflects the colours of the tartans from the county after which they are named. The sleeper carriages accommodate just 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 and ‘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 the perfect setting to enjoy sumptuous fare with an authentic taste of Ireland from artisan cheeses to superb seafood and smooth Irish whiskies. 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.

To find out more and to check availability please call 01347 825292.