Horse Trekking at Drumlane Equestrian Centre, County Cavan

Drumlane Equestrian Centre, located just outside Belturbet in County Cavan, is one of the most welcoming places in the north midlands to get up close with horses. Set among the rolling drumlin landscape that gives this county its nickname — the Lake County — the centre offers guided trail rides and trekking sessions suitable for complete beginners right through to more experienced riders. The surrounding countryside is genuinely beautiful, with quiet country lanes, hedgerows, and glimpses of the River Erne weaving through the fields.

To get there, head for Belturbet town and follow the local signs towards Drumlane — the old monastic site of Drumlane Abbey is your landmark, and the equestrian centre sits in the same quiet rural parish. If you are travelling by car, there is ample on-site parking. Public transport to Belturbet is limited, with Bus Éireann operating occasional services from Cavan town, so having your own transport or arranging a lift is the practical approach for most visitors.

The centre operates on a booking-ahead basis, so it is always worth ringing or messaging before you travel rather than turning up on spec. Trekking sessions are generally available throughout the week and at weekends, weather permitting — and given County Cavan's famously changeable skies, sessions may be rescheduled during heavy rain. A one-hour guided trek typically costs in the region of €25–€35 per person, though it is worth confirming current prices directly with the centre when you book.

What to bring is straightforward: wear long trousers and sturdy closed-toe shoes or boots — no sandals or flip-flops around horses, ever. Helmets are provided at the centre, but if you have your own that fits properly, bring it along. A light waterproof jacket is sensible in any season in County Cavan. Children are warmly welcomed, and the staff are experienced at putting nervous first-timers at ease, so do not let a lack of experience put you off.

Local tip: most visitors head straight to the horses and miss the short walk down to Drumlane Round Tower and Church, a remarkably intact early medieval site just a few minutes on foot from the equestrian area. It is free to visit, takes about twenty minutes to explore, and makes for a lovely addition to your afternoon — history and horses in one outing. The tower dates back over a thousand years and offers a genuinely atmospheric end to a day out in this quiet corner of Cavan.