Belmond announced its first train in Ireland – the Belmond Grand Hibernian. Expected to launch in the summer of 2016, the train marks the first luxury overnight rail experience of its kind in Ireland and will provide tours of the magnificent open countryside, dramatic coastal scenery and fascinating cities of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Belmond has acquired ten carriages from Iarnród Éireann Irish Rail, which the company will transform into a luxury sleeper train comprised of 20 elegant cabins with accommodations for up to 40 guests. Belmond Grand Hibernian will also feature four interconnecting suites to accommodate families, two restaurant cars and an observation bar car.

“Belmond Grand Hibernian will be Belmond’s seventh luxury rail experience, building on our expertise in operating a stable of the world’s most famous trains, including Belmond Royal Scotsman, currently the UK’s only luxury sleeper train, and the legendary Venice Simplon-Orient-Express,” said John Scott, President and Chief Executive Officer. “Ireland offers today’s luxury traveler a rich and diverse cultural experience, with unrivalled scenery and warm hospitality that fit perfectly with Belmond’s offering of enriching and authentic hotel, rail and river cruise experiences.

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Belmond Grand Hibernian will journey throughout the island offering two-, four- and six-night rail experiences that visit the most prominent destinations of the North and South, including the train’s Dublin base, Belfast and Cork. Traveling aboard Belmond Grand Hibernian will be akin to a land cruise, offering daily excursions such as tours of historic estates, a round of golf on one of the finest courses in the world, a visit to the new Titanic Belfast center, or an immersion into the world of Ireland’s legendary writers, musicians and artists.

Belmond, www.belmond.com