Business Details
Your Historic Dining Experience in Swatragh
Established in 1835, our historic establishment has evolved through various roles including a coaching inn, hotel, post office, and dispensary. We served as a vital soup kitchen during the Great Famine, preserving this legacy through our displayed famine pot. Acquired by John Friel in 1903, our premises now showcase original features like the wooden counter and ceiling, maintained under the fifth-generation stewardship of Dermot and Caitriona Friel. Our venue combines historical authenticity with modern hospitality, offering a unique setting for dining and exploration.The Gorta visitor centre, developed by Dermot Friel, commemorates Dr. Mooney's humanitarian efforts during the famine, featuring interactive exhibits and local historical insights. We pride ourselves on delivering a warm, family-friendly atmosphere with attentive service, complemented by live music and seasonal events. Our motorhome park and curated gift shop enhance the visitor experience, blending tradition with contemporary convenience.
Services
Bar Services
Restaurant Dining
Motorhome Park
Historical Tours
Event Hosting
Highlights and features
- Family-run since 1835 with fifth-generation custodianship
- Preserved original architectural features and historical artifacts
- Developed Gorta visitor centre with academic collaboration
- Award-winning traditional hospitality in Mid Ulster
- Live music and seasonal event programming
What people say
Homely atmosphere
Friendly manner
Family-friendly
Gorgeous menu
Perfect setting
Services
Historical Tours
Explore Ireland's famine history through our Gorta visitor centre. Interactive exhibits include original artifacts, audiovisual presentations, and commissioned sculptures. The tour connects local history with global humanitarian themes, offering educational value for school groups and heritage tourists. Our exhibits were developed with academic historians and local experts.
Restaurant Dining
Experience authentic Northern Irish fare in a preserved 19th-century setting. Our menu features locally sourced ingredients served in period-dining rooms with original fixtures. The restaurant maintains its historic character while meeting modern culinary standards. Seasonal menus include festive options with advance booking available.
Event Hosting
Host weddings, corporate events, or private parties in our historic premises. The venue combines original architectural features with modern amenities. Our team provides tailored event planning support and seasonal decorations. Capacity details and package options are available through our booking line.
Motorhome Park
Secure overnight accommodations for motorhomes with convenient access to local attractions. The park provides basic facilities while maintaining proximity to our restaurant services. Reservations recommended during peak tourist seasons. Location details and pricing available through our website.
Gift Shop
Purchase locally made merchandise including branded apparel and specialty gifts. Our shop offers unique keepsakes alongside gift vouchers for future visits. Products support local artisans while commemorating the establishment's heritage. Inventory updates seasonally with special edition items.
People
Dermot Friel
Fifth-Generation Owner
Dermot Friel leads the family business as fifth-generation custodian. He developed the Gorta visitor centre with academic collaboration. His stewardship maintains historical authenticity while modernising services. Dermot's expertise combines heritage preservation with contemporary hospitality management. He continues the family legacy established in 1903.
Caitriona Friel
Co-Owner
Caitriona Friel co-manages the business with Dermot, focusing on hospitality operations. She ensures service standards meet modern expectations while preserving tradition. Her leadership maintains the establishment's family-run character. Caitriona contributes to event programming and customer experience design. She represents the fifth generation of Friel custodians.
Questions
What historical significance does Friels Historic Bar & Restaurant hold?
Friels Historic Bar & Restaurant operated as a famine soup kitchen in the 1840s and retains original features from its 1835 establishment.
What is the Gorta Famine Story visitor centre?
Our visitor centre explores local history through interactive exhibits, including the original famine pot and Dr. Mooney's legacy.
How can I book a table or event?
Contact us directly via phone at 028 7940 1206 for restaurant reservations or event bookings.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept gift vouchers and standard card payments for our services and merchandise.
Are there live music events?
Live music performances occur every weekend throughout the festive season and special occasions.
What facilities are available for motorhomes?
Our motorhome park provides secure overnight accommodations with easy access to local attractions.
Reviews (5)
Stephanie Foy
Jan 30, 2022
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What a fantastic nite we had ! We stayed in the motor home carpark ! Nice tidy wee spot ! Bar staff where amazing! And the locals made u feel so welcome ! Fantastic wee group was playing! Great crack thy where and fantastic personalities! Will definitely be back ! Thank yous for having us
Laura O'Connor
Jan 10, 2022
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Perfect Local Pup! It’s got all the options! A nice traditional bar with a nice wee snug type bar included, a lovely restaurant, great Beer Garden, and you can bring your Motor home and stay overnight! No arguments about who’s driving!!
Jean-Robert Hunter Deuling
Dec 26, 2021
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Excellent food comfortable seating and excellent service. Stopped as we were driving through highly highly recommend.
Ivan Mellon
Dec 13, 2021
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Beautiful local pub / restaurant. Great friendly staff, warm welcome and lovely food. Beautiful decor and perfect setting. Great live entertainment in both the restaurant and pub. Plenty of car parking space and motorhome park with full services including electric. Highly recommend. Will be back.
Jim McCormick
Nov 23, 2021
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A family run business & Brilliant Motorhome Stopover for 20, includes your EHU and full services, and as a bonus, from now until the end of March 2022, there's a 10 voucher back for use in the restaurant,
