UK-based company Belmond has revealed plans to launch a luxury train service in Ireland in mid-2016.
The Belmond Grand Hibernian service will cover both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, carrying 40 guests in 20 cabins.
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Belmond has already acquired ten carriages from Ireland’s national train operator and rail infrastructure provider, Irish Rail, to transform those into a luxury sleeper train.
James Park Associates will carry out the interior design, using Dublin’s classic Georgian architecture and blend it with elements of Ireland’s ancient folklore and traditions.
Features of the train include four interconnecting suites to accommodate families, two restaurant cars and an observation bar car.
Belmond president and CEO John Scott said: "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.
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By GlobalData"Ireland offers today’s luxury traveller 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."
The journey across the island will involve visiting major destinations of the north and south, including the train’s Dublin base, Belfast and Cork.
For this project, Irish Rail will provide Belmond Grand Hibernian’s haulage services and Dublin depot facilities.
