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Friels Bar & Restaurant & Gorta Swatragh's Famine Story Visitor Centre

Friels Bar & Restaurant & Gorta Swatragh's Famine Story Visitor Centre

Experience local history and culture through engaging exhibits, guided tours, and immersive VR, all while supporting community heritage and sustainable tourism.

OUR EXPERIENCES
Gorta: Swatragh's Famine Story above Friel's Bar and Restaurant offers an authentic, locally driven experience that connects travellers with the rich history and culture of Swatragh village. By engaging with our interpretive exhibits, participating in guided tours led by local experts, and immersing themselves in our new VR experience featuring local historical figure Mick McAtamney, visitors directly support our community’s heritage preservation efforts and local economy.

ABOUT US
At Gorta: Swatragh's Famine Story above Friel's Bar and Restaurant, our mission is to preserve and share the rich heritage of Swatragh village, highlighting the resilience and stories of its people during the Great Famine. Through engaging interpretative exhibits, guided tours, and immersive experiences—such as our VR headset showcasing the life of local poet Mick McAtamney—we connect travellers with the area's history while supporting the local community. Our vision is to drive positive social, environmental, and economic impact by promoting sustainable tourism that celebrates local culture and fosters meaningful connections. We are also a founding member of Swatragh in Bloom, a voluntary organization dedicated to promoting nature and well-being within our village.

OUR IMPACT
Gorta: Swatragh's Famine Story above Friel's Bar and Restaurant preserves local heritage while supporting the community and environment. We showcase Swatragh’s history, particularly the Great Famine, through interpretive exhibits, audiovisual aids, and our original famine pot. As a fifth-generation family business and founders of Swatragh in Bloom, we contribute to the village’s beautification and community spirit. By attracting visitors, we generate sustainable economic benefits and support local jobs. Our guided tours and upcoming school programs (launching in 2025) offer deeper insights into Irish history. Committed to sustainability, we partner with local suppliers and participate in the MSW Net Zero Baseline programme, implementing solar panels and energy efficiency measures. Our VR experience featuring local poet Mick McAtamney and multilingual audio tours ensure accessibility for all. Aligning with Tourism Cares, we provide meaningful, community-led experiences that educate visitors while preserving Swatragh’s rich cultural legacy.

DETAILS
To learn more, contact: bookings@friels.ie

What are your minimum and maximum group sizes?
1-90

Do you require visitors to pre-book?
Prebookings are available but not required.

Do you have group rates?
Yes

Do you pay commissions to travel advisors?
Yes

What languages do you offer your services in?
English, Irish, French and German Audio Tours

When are you open?
Monday 10am - 4pm, Tuesday 10a - 4pm, Wednesday 10am - 4pm, Thursday 10am - 7pm, Friday 10am- 4pm, Saturday 10am -3pm, Sunday 10am - 1pm

What accommodations do you make for people living with disabilities?
Our tours are available in audio guides. Wheelchair access is available in Friels Bar and Restaurant and the ground floor level of Gorta. We have developed a video experience of the visitor centre for wheelchair users and those with mobility problems to view the visitor centre from the ground level. Phase 2 of Gorta developments includes a lift and full wheelchair to all areas of the visitor centre.