Ireland’s first luxury sleeper train – The Belmond Grand Hibernian – was launched in Dublin this week. With two dining cars, 10 carriages, and 20 en-suite cabins all refurbished to the highest standards, the ‘Hibernian’ has brought a new level of luxury to Irish rail tracks.
Its inaugural six-day tour of the country with 40 people on board pulled out of Heuston Station yesterday. In terms of comfort, the travelling experience was comparable to journeying “in an Irish country house,” according to the Irish Independent.
While specific prices for the tour have not been disclosed, it is estimated that six days on the luxury sleeper could cost several thousands of euros. For example, the price of a two-night itinerary with Grand Hibernian begins at €3160 per person.
Four-night tours start from €5420, while six-day packages are approximately €7722. Belmond aims to attract passengers from the US, UK, and Europe, emphasizing that hundreds of bookings have already been made for its Irish journeys.
The company also operates the Belmond Royal Scotsman and the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express among other luxury train services. Irish Rail is providing operational support for the luxury sleeper, including haulage and stabling. More than 40 skilled craftsmen were employed at Mivan Marine Ltd. in Belfast to refurbish and fit the Grand Hibernian. Ten of the midnight blue carriages are named after Irish counties: Carlow, Donegal, Down, Fermanagh, Kerry, Kildare, Leitrim, Sligo, Waterford, and Wexford.
James Park Associates designed the interior to reflect the capital city’s Georgian architecture. Additionally, there were influences from the country’s rich landscape, flora, and fauna. The train is 252 metres in length, making it the longest in Ireland, while the tours cover a distance of 2217km.
Guests embark on a scenic journey, departing from Dublin to Cork, Killarney, Galway, Belfast, and Waterford, ultimately returning to Dublin. Excursions from the train include visits to Ashford Castle, Titanic Belfast, Blarney Castle, Killarney National Park, and the House of Waterford Crystal. Next year, Belmond will operate from 25 April to 17 October.
Additionally, Belmond has announced plans to run the first luxury sleeper train in South America, which will traverse one of the highest rail routes on Earth, heading through the Peruvian Andes from Cusco to Lake Titicaca and Arequipa.
