All Aboard the Art Train
There's a moving gallery on the rails of the Emerald Isle. We step aboard the Belmond Grand Hibernian train and explore fresh works from up-and-coming Irish artists. The recent launch of Belmond Grand Hibernian witnessed exciting innovations for Belmond: the new curated art collection aboard Ireland’s first luxury sleeper train.
STEP ABOARD Belmond Grand Hibernian in Dublin’s Heuston station and you are immediately plunged into one of Ireland’s natural wonders. The walls of this new luxury sleeper train are decorated with striking artworks - Belmond’s first curated art collection - which celebrates the entire island’s rich heritage, contemporary culture and dramatic scenery. Entitled Inspirations of Ireland, this diverse array of oil paintings, watercolours and photographs by eight contemporary artists enlivens the entire train - from its dining cars to guests’ private cabins. Brought together by Belfast-born international art consultant Katie Kennedy Perez, the works have been selected for what are often surprising and at times, mysterious and unsettling views of Ireland’s flora, fauna and landscapes.
Explore the life and culture of Dublin. Pamper yourself with an elegant overnight stay at THE MERRION HOTEL. Then, set off on an unforgettable rail adventure to Northern Ireland’s must-see sights.
GRAND TOUR OF IRELAND
Ancient legends, inspiring natural beauty and vibrant cities - see the highlights of this beautiful country with a complete journey through Ireland. Tours from Dublin on the Belmond Grand Hibernian train are sure to stay with you for a lifetime. Let yourself be captivated by the charms of the Emerald Isle as you journey in peerless luxury. Anticipate a journey accentuated by magical encounters, world-class cuisine and exceptional service. The Grand Tour also offers optional opportunities to play the legendary golf courses of Ireland.
Departures: APRIL through OCTOBER
INCLUDES: 
- One overnight at The Merrion Hotel Dublin
- Six 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 touring
- A visit to the Jameson Experience
- Tour of Ashford Castle and Blarney Castle and Gardens
- Traditional jaunting car excursion followed by a boat trip on Lough Leane
- City tours of Dublin and Galway
- Optional visit to the Cliffs of Moher
- A visit to The Titanic Experience
- Exclusive tours of Curraghmore House and the House of Waterford Crystal
ITINERARY
Day 1 
Board the train in Dublin in the early afternoon, and savour a delicious afternoon tea as the train begins its journey. Arrive in Cork and visit the Jameson Experience. A private tour explores the history of the whiskey-making process, before guests are invited to participate in a tasting session. Back on board, your first dinner is served as the train continues to Charleville, where it will stable for the night to ensure a good night’s rest.
Day 2
The day starts out with a private tour of Blarney Castle & Gardens where guests will have the opportunity to kiss the legendary Blarney Stone. Enjoy morning coffee in Blarney House. Lunch is served on board before continuing to the Lakes of Killarney. A pony-and-trap tour is followed by a boating excursion across Lough Leane. Head back to the train for dinner.
Day 3
This morning your journey continues north to Galway for a tour. Lying on the River Corrib, let yourself be enchanted by this romantic city. Today, there will be an optional visit to the stunning Cliffs of Moher. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant. Champagne and oysters set the scene for a fun-filled afternoon. Return to the train for dinner as the train continues on to Athlone.
Day 4
Breakfast is accompanied by stunning pastoral views from your cabin’s windows as the train continues to Westport. Disembark for an excursion to Ashford Castle. Activities include an interactive falconry experience plus a guided walk of the gardens, as well as a private lunch. Your journey back to the train winds through the stunning Connemara National Park. Back on board enjoy a delicious dinner along with local entertainment before retiring to your plush cabin.
Day 5
Your journey winds back towards Dublin where you can enjoy an optional half-day tour of the vibrant Irish capital. Key sights include Trinity College, home to the ancient Book of Kells, the 12th-century St Patrick’s Cathedral and the lively Temple Bar district. Rejoin the train and set off for a private, guided tour of The Titanic Experience in Belfast, a fascinating attraction exploring the history of the famed ocean liner.
Day 6
After breakfast disembark at the Viking port of Waterford to visit Curraghmore House. This historic mansion has been home to generations of the Waterford family. Take an exclusive tour followed by afternoon tea. Continue to the House of Waterford Crystal, learning how expert craftspeople still hand-make the beloved sparkling objects. A spectacular farewell dinner on board and spirited local entertainments will provide a fitting end to your journey.
Day 7
Breakfast is served as the train continues to Dublin, its final destination. Disembark for your onward travel arrangements.
GRAND TOUR OF IRELAND – GOLF OPTIONS
Ireland offers a spectacular choice of world-renowned golf courses. Enhance your journey and book one of the following excursions when you travel aboard. For premium courses where availability may be restricted, contact our Reservations team in advance to avoid disappointment.
Day 2
Cork Golf Club
Alight: Cork, 8:40am, 15 minute transfer || Board: Killarney, 4:45pm, 85 minute transfer
Opened in 1888, Cork Golf Club is well established as one of Ireland’s most historic courses. Situated on Little Island, jutting out onto Lough Mahon with clear views across Cork Harbour, the landscape here promises to inspire. The first three holes are fairly gentle. However from the fourth onwards, this championship course shows its true mettle, with precision play required throughout.
Killarney Golf & Fishing Club
Alight: Cork, 8:40am, 75 minute transfer || Board: Killarney, 4:30pm, 15 minute transfer
On the banks of Lough Leane, on the famous Ring of Kerry, this course offers superb golf matched by some of Ireland’s most enchanting scenery. Accuracy is vital on the club’s flagship Killeen course, venue for the Irish Open in 2010 and 2011. The course is noted for its tight, tree-lined fairways, fast undulating greens and numerous water hazards.
Day 3
Galway Bay Golf Resort
Alight: Athenry, 12:30pm, 30 minute transfer || Board: Galway, 6:45pm, 30 minute transfer
Designed by Irish Ryder Cup legend Christy O’Connor Jnr, Galway Bay is an expertly- manicured parkland. Situated by the sea, it is characterised by dramatic water hazards and concealed bunkers. With the variable wind speed and direction, this championship golf course plays differently each day. Expect plenty of stunning scenery; from the hills of Clare to the south and majestic Galway to the west surrounded by the dramatic Atlantic Ocean.
Galway Golf Club
Alight: Galway, 1:15pm, 15 minute transfer || Board: Galway, 6:45pm, 15 minute transfer
Galway Golf Club sits on the outskirts of the city in the seaside resort of Salthill. It offers visitors a true test with its championship-standard parkland course marked by mature trees, tiered greens and no shortage of wild gorse. Between shots, enjoy panoramic views over Galway Bay, the Burren and the Aran Islands.
Day 4
Westport Golf Club
Disembark point: Westport, 9:15am, 15 minute transfer || Boarding point: Westport, 4pm, 15 minute transfer
Part-inland and part-seaside, Westport Golf Club is a premier championship-standard parkland course. Designed by renowned British golf architects Fred Hawtree & Sons and host venue for many Irish championship events, it provides a thoroughly enjoyable test for all level of ability.
Day 6
Castlerock Golf Club – Mussenden Course
Alight: Coleraine, 8:30am, 15 minute transfer || Board: Coleraine, 3:30pm, 15 minute transfer
Perched on the Causeway Coast, beside illustrious courses Royal Portrush and Portstewart, Castlerock Golf Club is every bit as good as its famous neighbours. This is one of the toughest links around, with wind speeds proving to be a real challenge. As with most links courses you have to keep your ball in play, and your short game is key as the greens are extremely fast throughout the year.
Ballycastle Golf Club
Alight: Coleraine, 8:30am, 30 minute transfer || Board: Coleraine, 4pm, 30 minute transfer
Part links part parkland, Ballycastle Golf Club is often regarded as a quirky and interesting course with many changes in elevation. The first five holes are played on parkland by the ruins of Bonamargy Abbey, with the remainder laid out along the rugged coast. Stunning scenery abounds, across to Rathlin Island and the Mull of Kintyre beyond.
for rates and details . . . 800-757-6422
