Belmond introduces world's newest luxury sleeper train, the Belmond Grand Hibernian

Belmond is introducing the world's newest luxury train - the Belmond Grand Hibernian - which will operate a number of routes through Ireland and Northern Ireland from early August 2016.

Currently under construction, the Grand Hibernian will be the first luxury sleeper train to launch in Ireland offering two, four and six-night itineraries from Dublin through the Emerald Isle.

The 10-carriage train will feature 20 luxury en-suite cabins which accommodates up to 40 passengers, two dining cars and an observation car.

The train's interior design will feature a strong Irish theme. Designed by James Park Associates's UK office, the carriages will feature designs that reflect Dublin's Georgian architecture as well as the flora and fauna that is synonymous with the Irish landscape.

The train's interior furnishings will be supplied by local businesses. For example, the observation car will feature hand-crafted stone counters made by a Dublin-based company and wool blended carpets from Ulster, a region in the north of the island of Ireland.

Interior decors, including cushions, bedding and wall panels, will feature a specially-designed Belmond Grand Hibernian's Celtic knot in colours matching the tartan of seven counties in Ireland (Ireland has total of twenty-six counties), including sleeper car 'Waterford' and dining car 'Sligo' (see gallery).

The name and design of the carriages was chosen to reflect the train's route from Dublin through the different counties of Ireland and to offer a unique and distinguishing feature between the carriages.

The train is being outfitted by Ireland-based Mivan Marine, an interior fit-out company, in County Antrim in Northern Ireland with the work estimated to take around 35,000 hours.

The Grand Hibernian will make its inaugural journey on 9 August 2016.