Taste of Ireland Aboard the Grand Hibernian
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The first luxury rail experience of its kind in Ireland, Belmond Grand Hibernian traverses the sprawling countryside, dramatic coasts and fascinating cities that define this captivating land. A journey aboard Belmond Grand Hibernian will take 40 guests in lavishly furnished, private en-suite cabins to remote areas and exclusive attractions including ancient castles, famous whiskey distilleries and vibrant cities.
From the buzz of Belfast to the artisanal delights of Waterford, each day brings a new adventure, with highlights including inspiring destinations, world-class cuisine and traditional entertainment as evening falls.
Operates Saturdays from April to October.
LIFE ON BOARD
THE CABINS Savour the glorious scenery from the comfort of your private cabin. All cabins have a Georgian air of elegant luxury and include private en-suite facilities with shower. Four cabins interconnect, making them ideal for families and friends travelling together, and one is suitable for guests with limited mobility.
DINING The richly upholstered restaurant cars, Sligo and Wexford, set the scene for an unforgettable on-board dining experience. Our talented chefs conjure up culinary creations influenced by the regions the train traverses, with an emphasis on fresh and flavoursome local produce—wonderful artisan cheeses, superb smoked fish and smooth Irish whiskies.
ENTERTAINMENT After a sumptuous dinner on the train, local musicians may inspire you to leap to your feet in the Observation Car or listen to tales of Irish folklore and local legends.
OBSERVATION CAR The splendour of the Observation Car provides the perfect backdrop to Ireland’s stunning scenery. Take a seat in comfy armchairs, with a glass of fine Irish whiskey or a pint of local stout from the bar, and watch the enchanting scenery from the many large windows.
Itinerary
Day
1
Dublin, Belfast, Dundalk
departs Dublin Heuston Station at 12:10
Step on board the gleaming carriages of Belmond Grand Hibernian and join the Train Manager in the Observation Car for a welcome champagne toast. Settle into your cosy en suite cabin and enjoy the views as the train leaves Dublin behind on its journey north, following the east coast, towards Belfast. Lunch is served en route in the two elegant dining cars named after the Irish counties of Wexford and Sligo.
Alight in Belfast Central Station to visit Hillsborough Castle, the official Northern Ireland residence of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Members of the royal family have regularly used the castle as their home on their visits since 1922. It is also the home of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and has been a focal point in the peace-making process. The majestic Georgian country house, built in the 18th century, features elegant State Rooms and glorious gardens. Refreshments and canapés are served in the regal Drawing Room which was re-built after a devastating fire in 1934.
Re-join the train in Belfast in time for dinner as your journey continues towards Dundalk in County Louth, known as the ‘Land of Legends’. Following dinner, join your fellow guests in the Observation Car for coffee and liqueurs as you listen to the evening’s lively entertainment.
Day
2
Dundalk, Kilkenny, Bagenalstown
Begin a leisurely morning on board with mouthwatering pastries served in the Observation Car as the train travels south. Sit back and soak up the views and enjoy a relaxing morning on board. Brunch is served before arriving in Waterford on the south-east coast, founded by Vikings in 914A.D.
This afternoon, explore some of the many historic attractions of Kilkenny in the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East. Visit Butler House, the charming 18th-century Georgian Dower House of Kilkenny Castle, nestled in the very heart of this vibrant city. Your guide offers a captivating tour of the city centre with its Medieval Mile Museum, housed in a converted 13th century church, where you can discover 800 years of history under one roof. Return to Butler House for an afternoon tea. Time permitting, take a look inside Kilkenny Castle with its impressive art collection, St Canice’s Cathedral, the National Design & Craft Gallery or the Black Abbey or simply stroll along the canal and among the cobbled alleyways with their multitude of boutiques and pubs.
Back on board, pre-dinner drinks and canapés await. All too soon, you’re relishing your final feast on the train – sweetened by the prospect of some toe-tapping entertainment afterwards in the Observation Car.
Day
3
Arrive Dublin Heuston Station at 10:05
Bagenalstown to Dublin
Breakfast is served as the train makes its way to Dublin Heuston Station. We wish you a fond farewell and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Availability
| Room Type | Single in Double Cabin | Double |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 24-May 8 | $8184.00$8184.00 | $5115.00$5115.00 |
| Jun 5-Jun 19 | $8184.00$8184.00 | $5115.00$5115.00 |
| Jul 3 | $8184.00$8184.00 | $5115.00$5115.00 |
| Jul 17-Jul 24 | $8184.00$8184.00 | $5115.00$5115.00 |
| Aug 7 | $8184.00$8184.00 | $5115.00$5115.00 |
| Aug 21-Sep 11 | $8184.00$8184.00 | $5115.00$5115.00 |
| Oct 15-Oct 16 | $8184.00$8184.00 | $5115.00$5115.00 |
Prices are land-only per person in Canadian dollars.
Subject to availability.
Excluded: Personal expenses
Please note: Belmond Grand Hibernian operates within the constraints of the railway network. As such timings, routes and associated itineraries are subject to change.
Tour Highlights
- Belfast
- Hillsborough Castle
- Dundalk
- Waterford
- Kilkenny
- Butler House
- Bishops Palace
- Bagenalstown
Tour Inclusions
- Two nights aboard the Belmond Grand Hibernian luxury train
- 24-hour steward service
- All meals aboard the train: full Irish breakfast, two-course lunch and four-course dinner including cheeseboard, coffee, tea and petits fours
- All beverages including alcoholic drinks
- Traditional entertainment on board
- Private visit to Hillsborough Castle, Belfast, with refreshments
- Tour of Kilkenny city centre with time at leisure to explore
- Afternoon tea at Butler House
