Irish Culinary Journey on Belmond Grand Hibernian
Irish Chef Clodagh McKenna (pictured, at left) will host a two-night culinary journey on board Belmond Grand Hibernian, Ireland’s only luxury sleeper train, departing September 28, 2019. The two-night journey will travel to Cork and Galway, Ireland,
In Cork, the itinerary includes a visit to Ballyvolane House, where guests can go foraging with Clodagh to seek out wild edible plants, fruits, and mushrooms. There is also the chance to enjoy a tutored tasting at Bertha’s Revenge Gin Distillery, where gin is crafted using whey alcohol from Irish cow’s milk.
On arrival at the gastronomic city of Galway, guests can visit the oldest oyster festival in the world, the Galway International Oyster and Seafood Festival. Clodagh will take guests around the festival where they can sample freshly prepared oysters and try oyster shucking. Alternatively, guests can explore the charming city on foot and visit Clodagh’s favorite cultural hotspots, including artisan gem ‘Sheridan’s Cheesemongers.’
Throughout the two-night journey, Clodagh, together with the train’s Executive Chef Mark Bodie, will prepare the onboard menus rooted in the Irish traditions of dining with family and friends, pulling inspiration from Clodagh’s latest cookbook Clodagh’s Suppers and the destinations through which the train passes. The ‘Autumnal East of Ireland Lunch’ features Waterford Fresh Water Lobster Salad and Apple & Thyme Tart; the ‘Autumnal Southern of Ireland Supper’ includes Toonsbridge Farm Buffalo Mozzarella, Irish Heritage Tomatoes and Irish Apple Balsamic; and the ‘Autumnal West of Ireland Supper’ sees Wild Black Sole with Samphire and Carrigeen Moss Pudding with Wild Blackberries on the menu.
Belmond Grand Hibernian travels with 40 passengers on a circular route from Dublin’s Hueston Station. The sleeper carriages are en-suite cabins. The train also has two dining cars and an observation car with large picture windows and a bar.
Prices for a ‘A Taste of Ireland with Clodagh McKenna’ start from approximately $3,710 (€3,300) per person and are fully inclusive including all meals, drinks, entertainment, and excursions.
(Photos courtesy of Belmond Grand Hibernian)
