Belturbet is located twelve miles from Cavan town. Belturbet lies at one of the best places for crossing the River Erne. When the Anglo-Normans tried to conquer Cavan in the early thirteenth century, they built a small fort on Turbot Island. The fort was probably made of wood and it hasn’t survived, though the steep mound of earth where it was built is still to be seen. In the 17th century Belturbet was developed by Stephen Butler under the Plantation of Ulster. It was an important trading centre, and it also had a garrison. The town retains much of its original lay-out, with the main street leading to the square or ‘diamond’ with all of the towns important buildings.