Friel’s is a pub with an original wooden ceiling, ornate bar counter and a roaring fire. Walls are lined with historic photographs and Guinness memorabilia- it won’t be long till you’re craving a pint of the black stuff. They are one of those places with all the charm of an ‘old man’s pub’ but with the buzz of weekend cocktails, family Sunday lunch and coffee catch-ups.
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Friel’s Bar and Restaurant
Friel’s is a 5th generation, family run, award winning, Irish bar & restaurant in the pretty village of Swatragh. We’d visited a few months ago for the Taste Mid Ulster Restaurant Week Launch, and couldn’t wait to return to get an in depth look at everything Friel’s has to offer.
About midway between Belfast and Derry, Friel’s oozes old world Irish character and charm, with its low wooden ceilings, ornate features and memorabilia, cosy fireplaces, and plenty of nooks and crannies in which to tuck yourself away with a paper and a pint of the black stuff.
Friel’s bar and restaurant was established in 1835, and has an amazing history, having previously been a coaching inn, hotel, Post Office, and a dispensary and surgery.
During the Great Famine, Friel’s was used as a soup kitchen, and in “Gorta: Swatragh’s Famine Story”, a new visitor centre that delves into the history of Swatragh village, the incredible story of Dr. Mooney and his unwavering commitment during one of Ireland’s most challenging periods is told, through compelling narrative, beautiful design, and cutting edge technology.
Inspired by the discovery of an original famine pot, and a small window on the historic Friel’s site, and in collaboration with historians, Tourism Northern Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland, and artist Kieran Tuohy whose stunning bog oak sculptures are on display, the Gorta centre was born.
And Friel’s truly is a Hospitality & Heritage Venue, offering everything from unforgettable stays in the delightful Luxury Fairytree Lodges, to delicious meals in the restaurant, and superb entertainment throughout the week, to be enjoyed with a dram from local whiskey distillers, An Carn.
Friel’s Evening Meal
Friel’s bar and restaurant has a traditional menu with a wide selection of excellent dishes on offer.
From burgers and steaks, to chicken, fish, and vegetarian options, Friel’s prides itself on using the very best local produce; McAtamney’s grass-fed beef, fruit and veg supplied by Bradmount, locally caught North Atlantic fish, Glenshane eggs- it’s no wonder Friel’s has recently won a number of Licensed & Catering News Awards.
We had a quiet table for two, tucked away in the snug with its log burner fireplace and some superb artwork gracing the walls (our meal was overseen by Seamus Heaney’s approving eye!)
There’s also a bright, open dining room, for larger gatherings, and outdoor spaces are available in which to eat al fresco in the better weather.
Aoife, one of our attentive servers, informed us about daily specials, and made some excellent suggestions.
We began our evening with a fruity bottle of Vega del Rayo Rioja Tempranillo to accompany our starters of tangy Goats Cheese served with beetroot salad & candied walnuts with a balsamic dressing, and a crisp, cheesy Chargrilled Chicken & Bacon Caesar Salad.
To follow, the pan fried Salmon Supreme was resting on a bed of Cajun sautéed potatoes, onions, sundried tomatoes, peppers, and came with a pot of piquant Tuscan Sauce to drizzle over the fish. We also had a spicy Chilli Chicken Penne Pasta in a rich creamy sauce, garnished with crispy onions.
Our Dessert choices were a light, fluffy Baileys Cheesecake with Morelli’s Choc Chip Ice Cream, and a delightfully nostalgic Jam & Coconut Sponge served with steaming hot custard: comfort food at its best.
Friel’s offers something for everyone, whether you’re calling in for a three course feast, a light lunch, a hearty breakfast, or just a quick coffee, it’s the perfect spot. Breakfast is served 10:00 – 11:30, lunch 12:00- 16:00, and evening meals 16:00- 20.30, seven days a week.
Breakfast
Friel’s Fairy Tree Lodges
Friel’s is home to three Luxury Fairytree Lodges, and we spent a wonderful evening, getting away from it all, in “Oak Lodge”.
This compact, absolutely pristine lodge, with its contemporary country cottage interior sleeps three people in a Bunk bed and Double bed arrangement.
It has both a shower room, and separate toilet, a settee, kitchen, private outside seating areas front and back, with restful, idyllic countryside views; watching the antics of the donkeys kept us thoroughly entertained!
And hanging up inside the lodge we found bathrobes and slippers to use when luxuriating in the lodge’s covered Hot Tub, beautifully lit under twinkling greenery, with audio visual entertainment to enjoy whilst sipping a glass of fizz!
This was a delightful break away from the hustle and bustle, taking in the picturesque rural setting overlooking the ancient Fairy Hill, and a one minute stroll took us to Friel’s bar and restaurant for a delicious evening meal and a nightcap before returning for a restful night’s sleep.
GORTA – Swatragh’s Famine Story
During the Great Famine, Friel’s was used as a soup kitchen, and in “Gorta: Swatragh’s Famine Story”, a new visitor centre that delves into the history of Swatragh village, the incredible story of Dr. Mooney and his unwavering commitment during one of Ireland’s most challenging periods is told, through compelling narrative, beautiful design, and cutting edge technology.
Inspired by the discovery of an original famine pot, and a small window on the historic Friel’s site, and in collaboration with historians, Tourism Northern Ireland, Invest Northern Ireland, and artist Kieran Tuohy whose stunning bog oak sculptures are on display, the Gorta centre was born.
