Belturbet

Belturbet is a destination in Ulster, Ireland. Belturbet (Irish: Béal Tairbirt) is a heritage town on the River Erne in County Cavan. It has a well-preserved 17th-century town plan with a wide main street leading down to the river. Belturbet is a popular centre for cruising on the Shannon–Erne Waterway and for angling. The town has several good pubs and restaurants, and hosts the Belturbet Festival of music and arts.

By Car

The most practical way to reach Belturbet is by car. Ulster (IE-U) is best explored with your own transport, as public connections are limited. The main roads are the N15 (Sligo–Donegal–Letterkenny), N13 (Letterkenny–Stranorlar), N14 (Letterkenny–Lifford), and N2 (Dublin–Monaghan–Letterkenny), all of which are good quality. Minor roads in Donegal are often narrow and winding — allow extra travel time.

By Train

There is no rail service within Ulster (IE-U). The nearest train stations are in Sligo (for Donegal) and Dundalk/Drogheda (for Cavan and Monaghan), where connecting buses are available. Irish Rail operates services to these stations from Dublin Connolly and Dublin Heuston.

By Bus

Bus Éireann operates services from Dublin and other major cities to Letterkenny, Donegal Town, Cavan, and Monaghan. Local bus services connect smaller towns but are infrequent, especially on Sundays. Advance route planning is essential, particularly for reaching remote coastal areas.

By Air

Donegal Airport (CFN) at Carrickfinn has flights from Dublin operated by Aer Lingus Regional. Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC) in County Mayo is an alternative for visitors to south Donegal. Dublin Airport (DUB) is about 2–2.5 hours' drive from Cavan and Monaghan.

Belturbet is compact enough to explore on foot. For exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions, a car is essential. The region's public transport network is limited, so advance planning is necessary for bus-based travel. In Donegal, the stunning coastal scenery rewards drivers willing to take the slower, more scenic routes.

The Diamond or Market Square in village centre has pleasant 19th century buildings. The statue of two seated figures outside the former post office is of two teenagers killed by a car bomb here on 28 Dec 1972, part of a wave of UVF bombings within the Republic that day.

Church of the Immaculate Conception (RC) 100 yards southwest is from 1868.

Belturbet island is a park west bank of the river. A grassy mound is all that's left of the Norman motte-and-bailey castle.

Belturbet railway station closed in 1959 but has been restored as a museum, with the stationmaster's cottage converted into self-catering accommodation. It’s open F-Su noon-5PM, donation.

Upper Lough Erne a few km north is in County Fermanagh but (with a bit of winding along the back lanes) Belturbet is a good base for visiting Crom Estate, Castle Balfour and Belle Isle Castle, with Marble Arch caves a bit further on.

Drumlane Abbey is a medieval ruin with the 11.6 m stump of a Round Tower. After the Dissolution the church remained in use by the C of I until 1820, and the cemetery is still in use. The ruins are accessible free 24 hours.

Aughrim Wedge Tomb is from 2000 BC and was originally on the slopes

A town in which there is neither Papist nor Presbyterian; but, to supply that defect there are Sabbath-breakers, drunkards, and common swearers in abundance.

• John Wesley the founder of Methodism, from a visit of 1760

EH Coaching ,

2 Main St ,

☏

+353 83 014 9615 .

M-Sa .

Gym and fitness classes.   ( updated May 2026 )

Golf: Belturbet Golf Course has nine holes, east edge of the village. There's an 18-hole course at Slieve Russell Hotel, see Sleep.

Boat hire is available from ABC Boats at the Marina. They offer day-hire and extended cruises as far as Aghinver on Lower Lough Erne below Enniskillen.

Café Nua is at 2 Main St, open Tu-Sa 9:30AM-4PM.

Castle Sports Bar ,

4 The Diamond H14 WK20 ,

☏

+353 49 952 4103 .

M-F 4-11:30 PM, Sa 12:30PM-12:30AM, Su 12:30-11PM .

Friendly pub with TV sport and good food.   ( updated May 2026 )

Genesis at 18 Main St is a reliable Chinese, open daily 5PM-12:30AM.

Indian Palace is a takeaway at 36 Holborn Hill, open daily 3:30PM-midnight.

Marco's at 16 Main St is a takeaway for fish & chips, burgers, pizza and other fast food. It's open M-Th 4-11PM, F Sa 3-11PM, Su 4-10PM.

Bedrock Cafe ,

Erne Hill Shopping Centre H14 D792 ,

☏

+353 49 952 2130 .

M-Sa 9AM-4:30PM .

Good all-day breakfast, caters for coach excursions.   ( updated May 2026 )

Railway Bar is at 4 The Diamond.

Widow's Bar ,

11 Main St ,

☏

+353 49 952 2274 .

Welcoming village pub, usually has live music on Saturday night.   ( updated May 2026 )

Yukon Bar ,

Main St ,

☏

+353 49 952 2811 .

Has a lounge area and playing pool and darts, jukebox, and sheltered heated veranda. Sometimes live music.   ( updated May 2026 )

Seven Horse Shoes ,

12 Main St H14 WN22 ,

☏

+353 49 952 2166 .

Reliable bar and restaurant with rooms in village centre. It has a large function room.   ( updated May 2026 )

Dungimmon House ,

Clonamulig H14 AV62

( 5 km west of village ),

☏

+353 49 952 6479 .

Peaceful welcoming countryside guesthouse, dog-friendly.

B&B double €140 .   ( updated May 2026 )

Slieve Russell Hotel ,

Cranaghan H14 FE03

( seven km west of village ),

☏

+353 49 952 6444 .

Upscale hotel, spa and golf resort out in the countryside. Great comfort, dining and service.

B&B double €220 .   ( updated May 2026 )

Fortview House ,

Cloverhill H14 X680

( 2 km east of Cloverhill ),

☏

+353 49 433 8185 .

Farmhouse B&B, comfy and good cooking. Flying Saucer Pub is a quarter mile down the road.   ( updated May 2026 )

Angler's Rest ,

Main St, Ballyconnell H14 CY24 ,

☏

+353 49 952 6391 .

Good pub with meals and rooms on the navigable riverbank.   ( updated May 2026 )

Clonandra Cottages ,

Clonondra H14 YF98 ,

☏

+353 86 264 4263 ,

[email protected] .

Self-catering cottages for anglers on the banks of Lough Garrow, with 1, 2, 3 and 5 bedrooms.   ( updated

Gala at The Diamond is open M-F 7AM-8PM, Sa Su 8AM-8PM.

Erne Hill Shopping Centre is on R197 Deanery St east edge of the village. Centra is open M-Sa 7AM-9PM, Su 9AM-9PM.

Fuel: Top Oil has a filling station west edge of the village and another on N3.

Manorhamilton is the main village in the north of County Leitrim, with a medieval castle and prehistoric sites.

Enniskillen in County Fermanagh is between the navigable Upper and Lower Lough Erne.

Routes through Belturbet

Ballyshannon

←

Enniskillen ← continues as

←

  NW     SE  

→

Cavan

→

Dublin

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