Official tourism website for Northern Ireland
En

GORTA - Swatragh's Famine Story

2-4 Kilrea Road, Swatragh, Maghera, County Londonderry, BT46 5QF
Gorta, Swatragh’s Famine Story Dr Mooney's famine pot

Book Tickets Online

About

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. Developed by Dermot Friel, 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. 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.

As we commemorate 130 years of Friel family ownership, Gorta serves as a place of learning, reflection, and connection, helping visitors explore the past and trace their roots.

The Visitor Centre features interpretative panels, audiovisual aids, and incredible bog oak sculptures by Kieran Tuohy.

Book Tickets

Add GORTA - Swatragh's Famine Story to your Itinerary

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel+44 (0) 28 7940 1206

Map & Directions

Opening Times

Season (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - Friday10:00 - 17:00
Saturday10:00 - 13:00
SundayClosed

What's Nearby

  1. A megalithic tomb, dating to the Neolitic or New Stone Age (2000-4000) is found in…

    2.55 miles away
  2. Nestled on the edge of the Sperrins, the Reserve boasts a rich variety of habitats…

    2.69 miles away
  3. An Coire Arts Centre provides the perfect setting for the delivery of a wide range of…

    3.13 miles away
  4. Nestled in a secluded area located 2.5 miles to the North West of Maghera, Tirkane is a…

    3.76 miles away
  5. One mile north of Maghera stands a prehistoric tomb at least 4,000 - 6,000 years old.…

    3.89 miles away
  6. Maghera Walled Garden, a restored Victorian Garden on the grounds of a medieval 4th…

    4.66 miles away
  7. A 200-hectare forest containing many species of trees, wildlife – and even a pyramid…

    4.89 miles away
  8. Covering 200 hectares, Garvagh forest is situated on the Western outskirts of Garvagh,…

    4.89 miles away
  9. Travel 3 miles west of Garvagh town and you will begin to enter Gortnamoyagh Forest,…

    5.57 miles away
  10. A beautiful and historically important bridge within tranquil woodland, just outside the…

    5.94 miles away
  11. Portglenone Forest continues a history of tree cover on this site established since…

    8.59 miles away
  12. Seamus Heaney HomePlace takes you on an inspiring journey through the life and work of…

    9.07 miles away
  13. Built around 1619 by Sir Baptist Jones, Bellaghy Bawn is a fortified house and bawn (the…

    9.24 miles away
  14. The Blackheath Pottery is a unique pottery and shop situated between Coleraine and…

    9.44 miles away
  15. Ballyscullion Park is a private house, home of Richard and Rosalind Mulholland and their…

    9.69 miles away
  16. Augustinian priory with a 15th-century tomb of Cooey-na-Gall, an O'Cahan chief, who died…

    10.24 miles away

Virtual Tour

Map & Directions

Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss