A railway station built in 1885 and fully restored, trails on Turbet Island and the River Erne give Belturbet its own distinctive character. The town combines railway heritage and culture with a landscape of waterways, islands and lakes. For your stay, you can therefore choose from historical themes, a walk and activities on the water.
River Erne and Lough Oughter
Belturbet lies on the River Erne and in the heart of the UNESCO Geopark in Ireland’s Hidden Heartlands. The town is part of the Lough Oughter and Associated Loughs system, designated as an SAC, SPA and NHA. The complex associated with Belturbet extends between Belturbet, Killeshandra and Cavan Town across large parts of the drumlin belt in northern and central County Cavan. Waterways, islands, small lakes and peninsulas form an extensive network there.
Wildlife is also part of this river landscape: protected species such as the mute swan and Greenland white-fronted goose live in the River Erne. The different landscape features—from the river and islands to small lakes—give the area its strong connection to the water.
Railway Heritage and Town History
The Belturbet Heritage Railway Museum is located in the restored railway station. An exhibition there tells the story of the railway era in Cavan. Guided, self-guided and virtual tours are available. This lets you explore the railway heritage with a guide, at your own pace or virtually.
Another historical site can be found on Turbet Island: an Anglo-Norman motte-and-bailey structure. The term refers to a type of fortification with a motte, an artificially built mound, and a bailey, an enclosed courtyard. A well-interpreted trail on the island introduces Belturbet’s built, natural and cultural heritage. In the town centre, the striking Town Hall is a landmark; it houses Belturbet Library as well as a civic and arts venue.
Trails on Turbet Island and through Belturbet
A short, waymarked and interpreted 1.6-kilometre walking trail crosses the River Erne on Turbet Island. The island is easily accessible by car or on foot, and all trails on Turbet Island are fully wheelchair accessible. The trail connects the island with themes of built, natural and cultural heritage, without requiring a longer hiking itinerary.
The Belturbet Heritage Trail starts at the Diamond in the town centre, opposite the historic Town Hall. It is an easy walk and takes about 50 minutes. Its stops include Kilconny Quay. The two trails offer different information to help with planning: a distance of 1.6 kilometres is given for the island trail, while the Heritage Trail is described by its approximate walking time.
Fishing and Boating on the River Erne
The River Erne offers opportunities for boating and cruises in Belturbet. Downstream of the town, the river is navigable as far as Upper Lough Erne and beyond. Those interested in trout fishing can find details in a 2024 county angling guide about a stretch from the area upstream of the town bridge at Kilconny to the railway viaduct. The local Trout Angling Club developed this stretch for trout fishing. The guide notes a good variety of fly hatches, for which both wet and dry patterns are suitable.
More Places of Interest in County Cavan
There are other distinctive walking and nature experiences elsewhere in County Cavan. The Cavan Way is a 21.7-kilometre long-distance trail connecting the villages of Dowra and Blacklion. Its landscape includes paths on land and along riverbanks, quiet roads, karst terrain and open bogland. These route features describe the Cavan Way, not the trails on Turbet Island.
Killykeen Forest Park is set around the Lough Oughter lake system. It has accessible walking trails and a family cycling trail. Together with Belturbet’s cultural and river attractions, County Cavan therefore offers further distinct highlights to consider when planning a trip.
Discover more destinations: Bailieborough, Dowra, Ballyconnell, Corlough, Blacklion, Cavan, Arvagh, Mullagh.
For the broader travel overview: County Cavan.
