Official tourism website for Visit Derry
En

Friels Bar & Restaurant

2-4 Kilrea Road, Swatragh, County Londonderry, BT46 5QF
Night-time view of the entrance to Friels Bar

About

Part of the Taste Mid Ulster Food Trail, Friels is a 5th generation, family-run, award-winning, Irish Bar and Restaurant nestled in the heart of the South Derry countryside in the village of Swatragh. 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.

It’s 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 is served from 12 noon 7 days a week. Reserve a table for two tucked away in their cosy snug or meet your family in their bright open dining space. Alfresco dining is available in their three outdoor areas whether you’re calling in for 3 courses or just a quick coffee.

Our Taste Mid Ulster Signature Dish - Lough Neagh Eels at Friels

Encompassing the smells, sights, tastes and textures of Mid Ulster from the soil and green pastures of the Sperrins to the waters of the lough this dish encompasses the flavours of Mid Ulster on a plate.  Freshly cooked Lough Neagh Smoked Eels, Pollan, Perch and Dollaghan with Rock Farm Heritage Potatoes and vegetables cooked in a garlic white wine cream sauce topped with grilled Tirkeeran Cheese.

Suppliers: Lough Neagh Eels, Tamnagh Foods, Bradmount Foods, Rock Farm Heritage Potatoes & Vegetables

At Friels, the welcome is as warm as the turf fire that burns in the hearth. Where the Guinness flows and tales are told, you’ll truly get a sense of belonging from every inch of this family-run business.

Facilities

Catering

  • Bar
  • Cocktail Menu
  • Dogs Accepted Outdoor Dining Area
  • Licensed

Children & Infants

  • Baby changing facilities
  • Children's Menu Available
  • Highchairs Available

Payment Methods

  • All major credit/debit cards accepted

Book Tickets

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 147 reviews147 reviews

Add Friels Bar & Restaurant to your Itinerary

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel+44 (0) 28 7940 1206

Map & Directions

Opening Times

* Food served seven days a week from 12:00 to 21:00 (from 09:30 on Saturdays)

What's Nearby

  1. Seamus Heaney HomePlace takes you on an inspiring journey through the life and work of…

    9.07 miles away
  2. Dart Mountain Cheese make a range of award-winning in small batches using the finest…

    16.63 miles away
  3. In the steep, wooded Glen of the Burntollet River, south-east of Derry/Londonderry, lies…

    20.65 miles away
  1. Nestled in a magical picturesque sleepy valley, with stunning sunsets and views of the…

    22.09 miles away
  2. Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, the Giant's…

    23.06 miles away
  3. Inishowen Maritime Museum & Planetarium is located at the Old Coast Guard station over…

    23.93 miles away
  4. Culmore Country Park opened to the public in November 2016 following a £7m restoration…

    25.55 miles away
  5. Bay Road Nature Reserve is a 20 hectare former landfill site located on the banks of the…

    26.4 miles away
  6. St Columb's Park is a 70 acre park located on the Limavady Road.

    26.44 miles away
  7. The Peace Bridge has become an integral part of the city’s infrastructure and is held in…

    26.58 miles away
  8. The Archive and Genealogy service has responsibility for the preservation of the civic…

    26.65 miles away
  9. St Columb's Hall is a Grade A listed building built in 1886, and located in Derry's City…

    26.66 miles away
  10. Get yourself down to Badger's Bar where you'll find the infamous Derry Girls mural, one…

    26.66 miles away
  11. Derry~Londonderry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and is one of…

    26.69 miles away
  12. Fashioned in neo-gothic style, the Guildhall is one of the most striking buildings in the…

    26.7 miles away
  13. The collection includes the 1998 Nobel Peace Prize, jointly awarded to John Hume and Sir…

    26.7 miles away
Previous Next

Map & Directions

View Maps and Visitor Guides
View of what Derry-Londonderry has to offer and some of the best things to see and do during a visit.
E-newsletter sign up
Sign up for the Visit Derry newsletter for inspiration and travel tips.
Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Sign Video

Don't Miss