Belmond has announced the appointment of John P Kavanagh as General Manager of the Belmond Grand Hibernian in Dublin from Monday 7th March 2016.
A graduate of Trinity College Dublin, John began his hospitality career at The Connaught, London, and has since built up 23 years’ experience in luxury hotels, with the majority of his career spent operating hotels in the UK and Ireland. He returns to his hometown of Dublin to draw on his specialist knowledge of the destination in preparation of the launch of the Belmond Grand Hibernian. He joins Belmond immediately from the Doyle Collection’s Kensington Hotel in London.
The son of well-known hotelier John Kavanagh, he brings a lifelong passion for hospitality and service that has been passed through the generations. Married with three children, John is also a keen golfer and enjoys time out on the golf course with his sons.
He said: “It is great to be back in Ireland and I am hugely excited to be joining Belmond for the launch of the Belmond Grand Hibernian.”
The Belmond Grand Hibernian will be the first luxury rail experience of its kind in Ireland when it launches in August 2016. Departing from Dublin on two-, four- and six-night touring itineraries, the train will traverse the countryside, dramatic coasts and fascinating cities of the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
Accommodating just 40 guests in 20 en-suite cabins, the modern classic designs of the train’s carriages reflect the natural flora and fauna of the landscape as well as drawing inspiration from Dublin’s Georgian architecture. The all-inclusive journeys include daily excursions and activities to ancient castles and monuments, tours of the famous whiskey distilleries and time to enjoy the good old Irish craic and traditional music. Onboard, guests can experience fine dining and the social atmosphere of the observation car with large picture windows looking out on to the passing countryside.
Belmond Grand Hibernian is the seventh luxury train to join Belmond’s collection around the world, including Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, Belmond Royal Scotsman and Eastern & Oriental Express.
