The Pullman Train Carriage - A Slice of History!
The Pullman Restaurant on the grounds of Glenlo Abbey Hotel is one of Ireland's truly unique dining experiences. Comprising of two dining carriages, one of which is called Leona, dates back to 1927 and was part of the original Orient Express and carried VIPs all over Europe and the UK during its life span. The legendary Sir Laurence Olivier and other great actors such as Sir John Gielgud, used the Orient Express train which included Leona, to bring them from London to Brighton during the great revival of Shakespeare theatre and ultimately its recording on celluloid.
Nineteen sixty five saw Leonas final journey when she was used as part of Winston Churchills funeral cortege. There are photos to show the late Statesman Sir Winston Churchills coffin being carried aboard the train at Waterloo Station. Beyond the van that will carry the coffin is Pullman Car No.208, LEONA.
After this event, Leona was retired from service, however in 1974 it returned along with other carriages to play a starring role in the classic, Murder on the Orient Express, that featured greats such as Albert Finney and Sean Connery.
In forty-seven years, Leona can certainly say it lived a life. In the seventies and eighties it spent time in rail yards and before being purchased by the Bourke Family in 1997, she was a restaurant in Elsenham Station in Essex
and included the 1954 carriage, Linda, which makes up the other half of the dining facility of the Pullman Restaurant. Opened in May 1998, the Pullman Restaurant aboard the Orient Express enjoys fabulous views of Lough Corrib and ironically is only about 300 meters away from the old track bed of the now lost Galway- Clifden railway line which was disbanded in the mid 1930s.
Choose from one of the many activities available!
Golf
The unique 9 Hole Double Green Golf Course offers a challenging test to all golfers. This lake side golf course, although fair to the beginner, can be a great test to the low handicapper. With the many lakes, trees, large greens, and the wind whipping up from Lough Corrib, it plays differently every day.
But before your game, the 10 Bay Driving Range is the place to warm up. Bill Daly, on-site PGA Pro, offers the best in individual and group tuition. Bill will bring your group through the do's and dont's of the game, while adding fun to the occasion. Bill can also organise other things like, a Longest Drive Competition or Nearest the Pin.
Fishing
If fishing takes your fancy, then you have to meet Jim Riddell. Jim who is our resident Ghillie, and who has fished Lough Corrib since he was a child, can bring small groups out onto Lough Corrib to fish for Trout, Salmon, Pike, Perch and Bream. Fishing on the Corrib lasts the whole day.....starting at about 8.00am, you will be taught how to tie your own flies, cast your rod, and learn what is precious to all fishermen......Patience. There is no guarantee of catching fish but with Jim by your side, he will bring you to the main feeding grounds for Pike, Trout & Salmon. However, these grounds change monthly especially during the Duck & May Fly Season. For lunch, why not stop off at one of the 365 Island of the Corrib. At Inchagill, one of the largest islands on the lake, you can explore the remnants of a Monastery dating back some 500 years. The famous Guinness Family use to shoot Pheasant and other Game in Inchagill, while the towering trees and Fauna of the Island will make you think you are a million miles from anyone. A truly memorable experience!
Clay Pigeon Shooting
Getting away from Golf, we can organise Clay Pigeon Shooting on-site. Terry Tyson, will bring you down to the end of the estate by the water's edge. Under the guidance of an expert, your group can enjoy this sport, with safety being of the utmost importance.
Archery
With the expert guidance of Robert Dagger, we can organise an archery clinic at the Log Barn or in the Walled Garden for your group. Targets, and all equipment are catered for and on a cold day we will organise a flask of tea and on a warm day something a little cooler.
