Gorta Swataghs Famine Story General Entry
Overview
Available languages
1 hour
Mobile ticket
We used great storytelling, beautiful design and 21st century technology to create Gorta - Swatragh’s Famine Story, a new visitor centre that delves into the history of Swatragh village and the incredible legacy of Dr. Mooney.
Dr. Mooney and his wife, Sarah, ran a surgery and dispensary from this location in the mid 1800s, and during the Great Hunger – An Gorta Mór, they established a private soup kitchen to aid the community.
In collaboration with esteemed historians like Ciarán Reilly from Maynooth University and local experts, the centre brings to life the Mooneys’ unwavering commitment during one of Ireland’s most challenging periods.
The centre, part-funded by Tourism Northern Ireland’s Experience Development Programme and Invest Northern Ireland’s Collaborative Growth Programme, features interpretative panels, audiovisual aids, and incredible bog oak sculptures by Kieran Tuohy.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Free postcard momento
Food & Drink available to purchase from the bar and restaurant
What To Expect
Gorta Swatraghs Famine Story
We used great storytelling, beautiful design and 21st century technology to create Gorta - Swatragh’s Famine Story, a new visitor centre that delves into the history of Swatragh village and the incredible legacy of Dr. Mooney. The centre was inspired by the discovery of an original famine pot in 1992 and a small window on the historic Friel’s site during lockdown. Dr Mooney and his wife, Sarah, ran a surgery and dispensary from this location in the mid 1800s, and during the Great Hunger – An Gorta Mór, they established a private soup kitchen to aid the community. The centre, part-funded by Tourism Northern Ireland’s Experience Development Programme and Invest Northern Ireland’s Collaborative Growth Programme, features interpretative panels, audiovisual aids, and incredible bog oak sculptures by Kieran Tuohy. As we commemorate 120 years of Friel family ownership, Gorta serves as a place of learning, reflection, and connection, helping visitors explore the past and trace their roots.
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12.30pm Entry
Self Guided Tour of Gorta
3pm Entry
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2pm Entry
Self Guided Tour of Gorta
Gorta Swataghs Famine Story General Entry
10am Entry
Self Guided Tour of Gorta
1pm Entry
Self Guided Tour of Gorta
3.30pm Entry
Self Guided Tour of Gorta
11.30am
Self Guided Tour of Gorta
10.30am Entry
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2.30pm Entry
Self Guided Tour of Gorta
1.30pm Entry
Self Guided Tour of Gorta
12 Noon Entry
Self Guided Tour of Gorta
11am Entry
Self Guided Tour of Gorta
Reviews
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Sperrin U3A group visit
Escape305910,
Nov 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fascinating insight into the history of the pub and how the famine impacted on the Swatragh area. The tour and guides were excellent. The hospitality was warm and friendly. The food was delicious. This was a group visit by 28 people. Dermot has done a great job of establishing a first class tourist attraction in Mid Ulster. Thanks on behalf of Sperrin U3A.
Great group tour and meal
alanmM8278ME,
Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sperrin U3A organised a group visit to the restaurant and exhibition. 28 people were catered for in two groups. The guides and tour around the building and exhibition were excellent: entertaining and informative. It is clear there is a genuine desire to make people aware of the history of the bar and the impact the famine had on the local area. The focus on local people definitely enriches the overall experience. The food was delicious and the service was was warm, friendly and highly efficient. I would certainly recommend the tour, food and hospitality.
Swatragh Famine museum
cgeorgemac,
Sep 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This story of the famine in the Swatragh area is very well told and set out with lots of intractive displays and easy to read and understand information boards. It is very effective in telling the history of the famine and of great value to learn. We really enjoyed the visual displays and layout of the Doctors surgery with so many old Doctors instruments and bottles. It is great that the large famine pot has been restored and the serving window is still in place. It not only tells the story of the famine in Swatragh but also reminds us of the same happening in many more villages and towns all over the island of Ireland. Excellent museum, well worth a visit, it's a must Cathy the guide was very informative and answed all queries
Interesting story of life in Swatragh in the 1800sv
L3603KKdb,
Sep 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Interesting story of the London companies in Swatragh and the story of the famine in this area. Very balanced and informative exibit in a lovely old house beside the pub and restaurant. Staff very friendly and knowledgeable. Great spot to spend an hour and finish off with a bite or drink in the adjoining Friels bar.
From £9.50
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