Belturbet County Cavan.

 
Belturbet.
 

The pleasant town of Belturbet sits astride the river Erne, making it an excellent base from which to explore the Shannon - Erne waterway, hire cruisers are available in the town this is an ideal way to explore the countryside of Cavan and beyond, the town also has an excellent marina

For the coarse fish angler Cavan is probably the premier destination in Ireland, wherever you are in the county you will not be far from a lake or river. The angler is well catered for in Cavan, bait and tackle shops are available as is accommodation near all the major fishing spots. The town is well provided with restaurants many of the towns pubs provide food also.

The age of steam transport came to Belturbet in 1885 when the Great Northern railway company built a station in the town, at the same time the Cavan and Leitrim narrow gauge system began operations, both system continued to carry passengers and freight until they closed in 1959. Belturbet station lay derelict until 1995 when it was purchased by the Belturbet Community Development Association. They immediately set to work sourcing funding which was forthcoming from the Peace & Reconciliation, FAS, Leader, IFI, InterReg and Cavan County Enterprise Board, local businesses and members of the community were also actively engaged in fundraising activities.

Today the station is a fine example of what can be achieved for the community by a dedicated group of individuals with foresight and drive. The restored station building now houses an interesting collection of railway memorabilia and tells the story of the station during the sixty-eight years it operated. At the time of writing the society were engaged in restoring rolling stock, and installing an audio visual display, I'm sure by the time you read this both tasks will have been completed.

The former goods shed has also been restored to a very high standard, it can seat 100 people and is available to groups to hold business conferences, educational seminars or workshops. on site catering is available there is also extensive car and coach parking facilities

Belturbet derives its name from Turbet Island in the river near the present bridge, the Anglo Normans built a Motte and Bailey on the island in the 13th century. It seems likely that this heralded the birth of the town, however an earlier settlement may have existed before the Normans.

If you plan to visit Belturbet try to do so around the end of July beginning of August, it is during this period the Festival of Erne takes place. included in the festival is the Lady of the Erne pageant, talent competition, live music, fireworks, marching bands and a fancy dress party. Remember if you want accommodation during this time book early.

Belturbet suffered as a result of the troubles in the north when in 1972 a terrorist bomb planted by the UVF (Ulster Volunteer Force) exploded without warning in the town, to young people were killed in the explosion. In 2007 a memorial to the pair was unveiled and renewed calls made to the government in Dublin for a full enquiry into the incident.