Gorta Swatragh's Famine Story

Gorta Swatragh's Famine Story Great storytelling, beautiful design and 21st century technology, our new visitor experience features the incredible legacy of Dr. Mooney.

His surgery and soup kitchen provided aid to the local community during An Gorta Mór. Part-funded by Tourism NI.

Fantastic to see Gorta, Swatragh’s Famine Story represented at Milwaukee Irish Fest as part of the wider Mid Ulster stor...
19/08/2026

Fantastic to see Gorta, Swatragh’s Famine Story represented at Milwaukee Irish Fest as part of the wider Mid Ulster story 🇮🇪🇺🇸”

What if you could meet a man from Swatragh's past and hear his story for yourself?Available exclusively for pre-booked g...
05/08/2026

What if you could meet a man from Swatragh's past and hear his story for yourself?

Available exclusively for pre-booked groups and school visits, "Honey to the Ear" – The Mick McAtamney Experience brings the fascinating life, travels and poetry of one of Swatragh's most colourful characters to life through immersive technology and storytelling.

Through virtual reality, visitors are transported into Mick's world, discovering his creativity, curiosity and the stories that shaped his remarkable journey.

For schools, this unique experience provides an engaging link to local history, storytelling, poetry, digital learning and the importance of preserving community memories.

Perfect for primary schools, historical societies, community groups and special interest visitors, "Honey to the Ear" offers a memorable experience that blends heritage with innovation.

Make your visit to Friel's even more special by combining this experience with GORTA , Swatragh's Famine Story and the Friel Family History Tour.

Advance booking is essential. Contact our team to arrange your group or school experience by emailing: [email protected].

Bring history to life this school year.👀Primary schools can now plan an engaging and memorable educational visit to Gort...
05/08/2026

Bring history to life this school year.👀

Primary schools can now plan an engaging and memorable educational visit to Gorta, Swatragh, where pupils can step beyond the classroom and experience the story of the Great Hunger through authentic local history.

For pupils who have read Under the Hawthorn Tree by Marita Conlon-McKenna, GORTA , Swatragh's Famine Story offers a powerful connection between literature and real-life history, helping children explore the experiences of families, communities and children who lived through this challenging period.

Through guided tours, storytelling, original artefacts, immersive technology and interactive experiences, pupils can develop a deeper understanding of:

• The causes and impact of the Great Famine
• The lives of ordinary families during this period
• The importance of community, compassion and resilience
• Local history and how it connects to wider Irish history
• Storytelling, heritage and preserving memories for future generations

A range of school packages are available, including:

🥣 Famine history and artefact discovery with a guided tour of Gorta
🎧 "Honey to the Ear" The Mick McAtamney VR Headset Experience: an engaging virtual reality journey celebrating the life, travels and poetry of one of Swatragh's most colourful characters.
🗣️The Friel Family History Tour discover over 120 years of family history within Friels Hospitality and Heritage venue, from coaching inn and post office to the fifth-generation family business it is today.
🥪 Combined visit options with hospitality packages

Give your pupils the opportunity to stand where history happened and connect the stories they read in books with the real people and places behind them.

We are now taking bookings for the 2026/27 school year. Contact our team to plan your educational experience. Email: [email protected]

Looking for an inspiring group outing this autumn? 🍂Bookings are now open for historical societies, retirement groups, P...
03/08/2026

Looking for an inspiring group outing this autumn? 🍂

Bookings are now open for historical societies, retirement groups, Plough On, U3A groups, community organisations, genealogy groups and special interest visitors for the Autumn and Winter Seasons.

A visit to Friel's Hospitality & Heritage Venue offers much more than a tour, it's a journey through the stories that have shaped Swatragh for generations.

Your group can enjoy:

• GORTA, Swatragh's Famine Story: an immersive guided visitor experience exploring the remarkable story of Dr Mooney, the original famine soup kitchen and the resilience of the local community during the Great Hunger.

• "Honey to the Ear" The Mick McAtamney Experience: an engaging virtual reality journey celebrating the life, travels and poetry of one of Swatragh's most colourful characters.

• The Friel Family History Tour: discover over 120 years of family history within one of Ireland's oldest licensed premises, from coaching inn and post office to the fifth-generation family business it is today.

Led by knowledgeable guides, each visit offers authentic local stories, original artefacts, immersive technology and warm Irish hospitality, all under one roof.

Complete your visit with morning coffee, lunch or dinner in our award-winning restaurant for a memorable day out together.

Autumn group bookings are now being taken. Contact our team to tailor your visit and reserve your guided experience today contact us on [email protected].

History comes alive when you stand where it happened.There is something profoundly moving about experiencing history in ...
27/07/2026

History comes alive when you stand where it happened.

There is something profoundly moving about experiencing history in the place where it unfolded.

At GORTA, you'll step inside the former home and surgery of Dr Mooney, explore thoughtfully restored rooms, discover authentic artefacts and hear the stories of the people who lived through one of the most challenging periods in our history.

This is not simply an exhibition to look at, it's an immersive experience that invites you to reflect, learn and connect with Swatragh's remarkable past.

Whether you're discovering the area for the first time or sharing local history with family and friends, we'd love to welcome you.

Self Guided Visitor experiences can be booked online, and we'll always do our best to accommodate walk-in visitors where availability allows.

Book Your Tickets Here: https://friels.ie/friels-bar-restaurant-swatragh/gorta/

Every visitor helps keep these stories alive.Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to experience GORTA , Swatragh...
22/07/2026

Every visitor helps keep these stories alive.

Thank you to everyone who has taken the time to experience GORTA , Swatragh's Famine Story.

By sharing this history with new generations, we continue to honour the resilience, kindness and hope that shaped our community.

If you haven't yet visited, we'd love to welcome you.

Reserve your place online: https://friels.ie/friels-bar-restaurant-swatragh/gorta/
Or enquire with our team about guided tours for groups and organisations: [email protected].

We look forward to sharing Swatragh's story with you.

Whether you're visiting Mid Ulster for a day or planning a heritage journey across Ireland, GORTA offers a visitor exper...
22/07/2026

Whether you're visiting Mid Ulster for a day or planning a heritage journey across Ireland, GORTA offers a visitor experience unlike any other.

Authentic stories.
Original artefacts.
Immersive technology.
Local history brought vividly to life.

Join us and discover the remarkable story hidden within one of Swatragh's oldest buildings.

Reserve your visit online: https://friels.ie/friels-bar-restaurant-swatragh/gorta/.

At the heart of GORTA is one remarkable object.The original famine soup pot once used to provide nourishment during the ...
20/07/2026

At the heart of GORTA is one remarkable object.

The original famine soup pot once used to provide nourishment during the Great Hunger still remains here today.

Its presence offers a powerful connection to the people whose lives depended upon acts of generosity and hope.

Sometimes a single object can tell an entire story.

Come and experience it for yourself.

Book your tickets here: https://friels.ie/friels-bar-restaurant-swatragh/gorta/
Or purchase your tickets in the bar or restaurant.

leaves a lasting legacy.Dr Mooney and his wife Sarah chose kindness during one of the darkest periods in Irish history...
15/07/2026

leaves a lasting legacy.

Dr Mooney and his wife Sarah chose kindness during one of the darkest periods in Irish history, opening a private soup kitchen to help those in need.

Their story continues to inspire visitors from near and far.

Come and discover how one local family's actions became part of Swatragh's enduring heritage.

Reserve your experience online: https://friels.ie/friels-bar-restaurant-swatragh/gorta/ and step into a story that still resonates today.

History is at its most powerful when it tells the stories of ordinary people.At GORTA you'll meet the people of Swatragh...
13/07/2026

History is at its most powerful when it tells the stories of ordinary people.

At GORTA you'll meet the people of Swatragh, not through dates and timelines alone, but through personal stories, recreated spaces, original artefacts and immersive experiences that bring the past to life.

Every room reveals another chapter of courage, compassion and community.

We invite you to experience this unique visitor attraction for yourself.

Tickets can be booked online: https://friels.ie/friels-bar-restaurant-swatragh/gorta/. Or you can purchase your tickets at the bar or restaurant on arrival.

Address

2-4 Kilrea Road, Swatragh
Maghera
BT465QF

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 7pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 3pm
Sunday 10am - 1pm

Telephone

+442879401206

Website

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