Gorta Swatragh's Famine Story

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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.

08/10/2026

A summer of stories, connections and memorable experiences at Gorta.

As our 2026 summer season draws to a close, we're reflecting on another busy few months welcoming visitors from across Ireland and around the world to Gorta Visitor Centre and Friel's Hospitality & Heritage Venue in Swatragh.

From international cruise excursions and coach tours to historical societies, community organisations and independent visitors, it has been a pleasure to share our local heritage with such a diverse range of guests.

A sincere thank you to the tour operators, cruise excursion organisers, guides, coach companies and group organisers who continue to include Gorta and Friel's in their itineraries. These partnerships are invaluable in bringing visitors into Mid Ulster and showcasing the unique heritage and hospitality our area has to offer.

Equally, a huge thank you to our dedicated team, whose commitment to delivering authentic, welcoming and memorable experiences makes it all possible.

While the summer touring season may be drawing to a close, our doors remain open.

Gorta Visitor Centre is open 7 days a week, offering a fully indoor heritage experience, with group visits available throughout autumn and winter.

We look forward to continuing to welcome visitors, share our stories and build new connections in the months ahead.

“Some stories are too important to be forgotten.”Those were the words of travel writer and British Guild of Travel Write...
25/09/2026

“Some stories are too important to be forgotten.”

Those were the words of travel writer and British Guild of Travel Writers member Stuart Render when he nominated Gorta, Swatragh’s Famine Story for the BGTW International Tourism Awards 2026.

We are delighted to share that, Gorta has been named a FINALIST for Best UK Tourism Project.

From the discovery of the original famine serving window here at Friel’s, to Dr Mooney’s famine pot still sitting in its original location, Gorta grew from a determination to uncover, preserve and share an important part of our local history.

To see that story, rooted here in Swatragh, recognised among tourism projects from across the world is very special.

Congratulations and best of luck to all of this year’s International Tourism Awards finalists:

Best UK Tourism Project
Gorta – Swatragh’s Famine Story, County Derry-Londonderry
Kynren – The Storied Lands, County Durham
Museum of Homelessness, London

Best Europe Tourism Project
Musée Mémoires 39-45, France
Shackleton Experience, County Kildare
Troodos Observatory, Cyprus

Best Wider World Tourism Project
Casa da Farinha, Brazil
Katien Ranger Patrol, Vietnam
Museum of the Bamoun Kings, Cameroon

A special thank you to Stuart for visiting Gorta, recognising the significance of the story and putting us forward, and to everyone who has helped research, develop, support, visit and share Gorta since we opened our doors in September 2024.

The winners will be announced at the British Guild of Travel Writers Annual Gala Awards Dinner in London on 2 November.

Above all, this recognition gives us another opportunity to do what Gorta was created to do: keep the story alive

Keep the story alive.



Tourism Northern Ireland Invest Northern Ireland Tourism Ireland

04/09/2026

Two years of Gorta, Swatragh’s Famine Story 💚

The story of Gorta began long before we opened our doors.

Sometimes the most powerful stories are waiting to be rediscovered. For us, that journey began in 1992 when the Famine pot was found at Friel’s. Almost thirty years later, during lockdown, the discovery of the Famine window, once used to serve soup during An Gorta Mór, revealed that there was still so much more of this story waiting to be uncovered.

That discovery sparked a journey of research which uncovered the remarkable story of Dr Daniel Mooney and his wife Sarah and revealed more about the role this very place and the people connected to it played during the Great Famine.

Two years ago, that journey became Gorta, Swatragh’s Famine Story, a place dedicated to preserving these stories and sharing them with future generations.

Bringing Gorta to life took the knowledge, research, creativity, craftsmanship, generosity and support of so many people and organisations. As we celebrate our second anniversary, we wanted to take a moment to recognise and thank everyone who helped turn an extraordinary piece of local history into the experience we have today.

And to every person who has visited Gorta over the past two years, listened to these stories, shared them with others and supported us, thank you. You are helping us ensure this important part of our heritage continues to be remembered.

Here’s to the next chapter of Gorta and to continuing to preserve and share Swatragh’s story. 💚

Go raibh míle maith agaibh.


Tourism Northern Ireland Tandem Design Marcon Fit-Out Visit Mid Ulster Lara Goodall Consulting

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.

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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