Take a look inside this new luxury restaurant in Galway, which has been built into two vintage railway carriages.
The carriages that make up Glenlo Abbey’s Pullman Restaurant sit on a makeshift platform that overlooks Lough Corrib.
The location of the restaurant ensures beautiful views through the window – and the interior of the carriages is equally impressive.
The grand carriages once featured in Albert Finney and Ingrid Bergman’s 1974 movie ‘Murder on the Orient Express’ and have also been used commercially in destinations as far afield as Monte Carlo and St. Petersburg.
Now thanks to Pullman Restaurant they have been lovingly restored and are looking as good as ever.
Some of the key features include Chinese guardian lions at the entrance, mahogany panelling, brass luggage racks and thickly-sprung seats.
The Irish Independent sent their reviewer Pól Ó Conghaile to check out the restaurant.
Ó Conghaile said that the fine surroundings would mean nothing without quality food to match – and thankfully that is exactly what he received.
However, he noted that there were good and bad points to his experience. As well as the impressive carriages and scenery, he had high praise for Head chef, Alan McArdle.
On the other hand, he was less pleased about the snug seating and the ‘moving-train’ sound effects.
Overall it was a great experience and Ó Conghaile concluded by saying: “Dinner is pricey at €63 for three courses, and wine starts from at around €8.50 a glass, so prepare to spend. But given the authentic atmosphere, stonking views (make sure to bag a table facing the lake) and McArdle’s food, it’s worth it.”
Click here to read Ó Conghaile’s full review
The newspaper also created a short video tour of the carriages and the views that can be seen from their location.
Take a look at the video below.
