Belturbet Heritage Railway Museum

Belturbet Heritage Railway Museum occupies the restored railway station in the market town of Belturbet, County Cavan, close to the River Erne. The station opened in 1885 and was built and operated by the Great Northern Railway. It is constructed entirely of locally sourced cut stone and is reputed to be the only station of its kind built this way. Belturbet was unusual in serving as a terminus for two railways: the broad gauge Great Northern branch from Ballyhaise, and the Cavan and Leitrim narrow gauge line, which ran on towards Ballinamore, Dromod and the Arigna coalfield.

The railways carried passengers and goods for more than 70 years. Great Northern services were withdrawn in 1957, and the Cavan and Leitrim line closed on 31 March 1959, bringing the railway age in the district to an end. The buildings then lay derelict for decades until the Belturbet Community Development Association bought the 10-acre site in 1995. Restoration followed over the years that came after and was completed in 1999, when the station reopened as a museum.

Inside, the exhibition tells the story of the railway age in Cavan through a collection of railway and local memorabilia. The site also features historical rolling stock, a restored goods yard and crane, and an open-air display of vintage farm and rural machinery. Self-guided and guided tours are available, and the station hosts a programme of cultural events through the year, including music, storytelling and seasonal occasions. It makes a rewarding stop for anyone interested in Ireland’s railway history or the heritage of the Cavan lakelands.