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An example of the interior of a Belmond train. Belmond
Orient Express
A luxury sleeper train will soon be arriving on Ireland's railways
The service will provide tours of up to six nights around the country.
YOU WILL SOON be able to travel around Ireland on a luxury sleeper train.
Belmond, the same company that operates the Orient Express, has announced the acquisition of ten carriages from Irish Rail that will be converted into a sleeper train.
The service is expected to launch in summer 2016 and will accommodate up to 40 passengers on trips around both North and South, lasting between two and six nights.
As well as en-suite accommodation, the Belmond Grand Hibernian will include two restaurant cars and an observation bar car.
The trip is said to be akin to a ‘land cruise’ – passengers will disembark at different locations around the country and be taken on tours of the local area.
David Franks, chief executive of Irish Rail, said the service will be key to improving Ireland’s prospects as a tourist destination, citing rail as providing ‘a unique aspect on the countryside, towns and cities of Ireland’.
Originally published 6.30am
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