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.

On 17th May, Dermot and Cathy attended the National Famine Commemoration in Portumna — a deeply moving and reflective ce...
01/06/2026

On 17th May, Dermot and Cathy attended the National Famine Commemoration in Portumna — a deeply moving and reflective ceremony held in the fitting setting of Portumna Workhouse.

The event included powerful speeches from TD Patrick O’Donovan and Taoiseach Micheál Martin, alongside hauntingly beautiful music, song and poetry that paid tribute to the victims of one of the darkest periods in Irish history. The wreath laying and tree planting ceremonies added to the dignity and remembrance of the day.

It was also wonderful to reconnect with old friends and make new connections with others committed to preserving and sharing our famine history.

A memorable and important day of remembrance, reflection and respect.

On the Eve of the Famine…This powerful room tells the story of the warning signs before An Gorta Mór took hold, as crops...
01/06/2026

On the Eve of the Famine…

This powerful room tells the story of the warning signs before An Gorta Mór took hold, as crops began to fail, food supplies diminished, and fear spread throughout communities.

Visitors are taken back to a time of uncertainty and hardship, learning how the failure of the potato crop devastated families and changed lives forever.

It is a moving reminder of the human impact behind one of the darkest chapters in Irish history.

Come explore, reflect, and learn through our guided tours.

Earlier this month, we were honoured to welcome First Minister Michelle O’Neill to Gorta Swatragh’s Famine Story. Joinin...
29/05/2026

Earlier this month, we were honoured to welcome First Minister Michelle O’Neill to Gorta Swatragh’s Famine Story. Joining the visit were MP Cathal Mallaghan, MLA Emma Sheerin, Councillors Brian McGuigan, Cora Corry, Seán McPeake and Paddy Kelly.

We are very grateful that they took the time to visit, learn more about our local famine history, and show their support for the important story of Dr Mooney's Soup Kitchen being told at Gorta Swatragh.

Our final stop.. The Legacy Room ✉️Here, visitors are invited to take a postcard and send it home to wherever they may b...
28/05/2026

Our final stop.. The Legacy Room ✉️

Here, visitors are invited to take a postcard and send it home to wherever they may be visiting from, a small but meaningful nod to the rich history of Friel’s and this remarkable site.

Standing since 1835, Friel’s was once an old postal stop, connecting people and places long before modern travel as we know it today. Now, that tradition continues in a special way through every postcard sent from our Legacy Room.

Come discover the stories, history, and legacy that still live within these walls.

📞 028 7940 1206
📧 [email protected]

Step back in time inside our doctor’s surgery room, where visitors can explore the fascinating medical instruments used ...
26/05/2026

Step back in time inside our doctor’s surgery room, where visitors can explore the fascinating medical instruments used during the time of An Gorta Mór.

Some may look surprisingly familiar… while others are scarily different from what we know today. 👀

Come explore, learn, and experience history up close through our guided tours.

📞 028 7940 1206
📧 [email protected]

A powerful and heartfelt moment as our Tourism Manager and Tour Guide Cathy shares the lasting impact the Great Famine (...
22/05/2026

A powerful and heartfelt moment as our Tourism Manager and Tour Guide Cathy shares the lasting impact the Great Famine (An Gorta Mór) had on local communities and generations past.

Our guided tours offer a moving insight into this important chapter of history and the resilience of the people who lived through it.

Guided tours are available, contact us directly for details:
📞 028 7940 1206
📧 [email protected]

Every corner of GORTA has a story to tell, bringing local history and heritage to life for visitors of all ages.In this ...
15/05/2026

Every corner of GORTA has a story to tell, bringing local history and heritage to life for visitors of all ages.

In this photo, our Tour Guide and Tourism Manager, Cathy O’Neill, shares some insight into Dr Mooney and his wife Sarah inside the Doctor’s Surgery. Just one of the many unique experiences waiting to be explored at GORTA.

There is so much to discover, learn, and experience when you visit.

For any questions or group booking inquiries, contact us at [email protected]

It was a delight to welcome another wonderful cruise ship group from Excursions Ireland to GORTA and Friel’s Hospitality...
13/05/2026

It was a delight to welcome another wonderful cruise ship group from Excursions Ireland to GORTA and Friel’s Hospitality & Heritage Venue!

Our guests enjoyed a fully guided tour followed by a delicious meal, and it was a pleasure to share the experience with you all.

We hope you all had a wonderful visit and enjoyed the rest of your cruise. We can’t wait to welcome many more cruise ship tours throughout the year and continue sharing the GORTA and Friel’s experience with visitors from around the world! 🚢✨

We were delighted to welcome Cullion Primary School to GORTA & Friel’s last week for a very special visit.During their t...
07/05/2026

We were delighted to welcome Cullion Primary School to GORTA & Friel’s last week for a very special visit.

During their tour of GORTA, the pupils learned about Dr. Mooney and his wife Sarah, and the incredible work they did in opening a private soup kitchen on this site during An Gorta Mór. They also explored the rich history of Friel’s and enjoyed an immersive experience with our VR “Honey to the Ear” headsets.

It truly was an amazing morning. The children were brilliant, so engaged, curious, and enthusiastic throughout.

We hope you all had a fantastic visit, and we’d love to welcome you back again in the future!

A special moment captured at GORTA.Here, owner Dermot Friel and our Tourism Manager Cathy O’Neill are joined by Kieran T...
05/05/2026

A special moment captured at GORTA.

Here, owner Dermot Friel and our Tourism Manager Cathy O’Neill are joined by Kieran Tuohy as he showcases this beautiful bog oak sculpture, which he created specially for GORTA.

Rich in meaning and craftsmanship, this unique piece tells its own story, one you can discover when you visit us.

We look forward to welcoming 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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