Friels Bar & Restaurant

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.

Taste Mid Ulster Signature Dish

Daube of Beef with Colcannon Cake, Heritage Carrots, An Carn Whiskey Sauce.

Friels Daube of Irish Beef is a signature dish that showcases the rich culinary heritage of Mid Ulster while highlighting the region's exceptional local produce. This innovative take on the classic French daube combines traditional cooking techniques with a distinctly Irish twist.The star of the dish is the locally sourced beef from McAtamney’s Butchers, a renowned supplier based in Mid Ulster. McAtamney's has a long-standing reputation for providing high-quality, locally sourced meats, ensuring that the beef used in this dish is of the finest quality and supports the local agricultural community

The dish is accompanied by a colcannon cake, a creative interpretation of the traditional Irish potato dish. This component showcases locally grown potatoes and cabbage, adding a touch of Irish comfort food to the plate. The colcannon cake is then topped with crispy kale, providing a delightful textural contrast to the tender beef.  Heritage carrots, sourced from local Bradmount, add a vibrant pop of colour and a sweet earthiness to the dish. These heirloom varieties not only contribute to the visual appeal but also support the preservation of traditional crop varieties.  The crowning glory of the dish is the An Carn Whiskey cream sauce. This innovative addition incorporates locally distilled whiskey, adding a unique depth of flavour and a subtle warmth that complements the rich beef. The use of An Carn Whiskey not only supports local distillers but also ties the dish firmly to the Mid Ulster region.

Friels Daube of Irish Beef not only satisfies the palate but also serves as a culinary ambassador for Mid Ulster, highlighting the region's agricultural bounty and culinary innovation in every bite.

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.