The rolling green hills of Ireland make for an evocative movie setting, bringing to mind the romantic fantasies that can only be inspired by the emerald expanse that brought to life to life a culture guided by fairies and spirits.
Those who chose to visit the Emerald Isle may find it hard to decide which part of the country side to go visit, but a new travel company is making it easier for you to see more. The Belmond Grand Hibernian is a brand new luxury train that will take travelers on a journey from Dublin to Belfast and everywhere in between, quietly crossing the border without so much as a whistle.
Passengers are greeted at the platform by a kilted man playing the bagpipe before being led to their cabins. Each one is decorated with an eye towards simple comfort, taking inspiration from the various counties that comprise the country.
While the idea of a luxury train may evoke images of rich and cozy wood accents, the Grand Hiberian takes a more modern approach, imbuing the coaches with lightness. The meals provided by the train are an upscale taste of Ireland, featuring local ingredients prepared in trendy new ways, such as a confited duck leg, or a chocolate cake infused with Guinness and topped with a scoop of blackberry sorbet.
An integral part of the train’s journey, of course, are the tops made along the way, from the museum dedicated to the Titanic in Belfast to a trip to a quiet country manor, where you can take tea with the lord and lady of the house.
Given the small size of Ireland, the train allows travels an opportunity to see a wider swath of the country that they may have otherwise managed, without having to sacrifice any of their creature comforts along the way.