Friels Bar & Restaurant

5TH GENERATION PUB & HISTORIC SOUP KITCHEN

STEEPED IN FAMINE TIME HISTORY

 

Welcome to
Friels Historic
Bar & Restaurant

We’re a 5th generation, family run, award winning, Irish Bar and Restaurant nestled in the heart of the South Derry countryside in the picturesque village of Swatragh. We’re halfway between Belfast and Derry just off the Glenshane Pass. The bar has been in the family name for over one hundred years.

Friels 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. We 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.

Locally Sourced Food

Reserve a table for two tucked away in our cosy snug or meet your family in our bright open dining space.

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FRIELS HISTORIC BAR AND RESTAURANT

History of Friels

Friels Historic Bar & Restaurant 1800s

Friels Historic Bar and Restaurant was established in ​1835.​ It had various owners throughout the 1800s when it was previously a coaching inn, hotel, and Post Office. It was also used as a dispensary and surgery, where many a tonic was given and ailment cured.

Tourism at Friels Historic Bar Restaurant

During the Great Famine (an Gorta Mó​ ​r) in the 1840s, Friels was used as a soup kitchen. The original famine pot is on display in the old Post Office.

John Friel, Traditional Historic Bar Restaurant Swatragh

The premises were bought at public auction by John Friel on 26th September 1903.

Friels Deeds, Historic Bar Restaurant Co. Derry

The deeds are displayed in the Public Bar, along with the original wooden counter and ceiling.

Friels Bar and Restaurant

It’s currently run by the 5th Generation Friel family Dermot & Caitriona.

HISTORIC BAR & RESTAURANT IN NORTHERN IRELAND

established 1835

first class food & service

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