Quality Right Up to the Rafters

RAFTERS Restaurant and Friel’s Bar in Swatragh is the quintessential NI dining experience that hints at a bygone era with its century-old heritage, picture-perfect exterior and strong family roots. Operated by the fourth generation of the Friel family publicans, Rafters accolades include: 

• NI Best Tourism/Visitor Pub of the Year 2010
• NI Neighbourhood Pub of the year 2011
• Taste of Ulster 2011
• Taste of Ulster 2012.

History and hospitality are what make this venue a magnet for tourists. The building dates back to 1837, and in the 1840s during the worst years of the Irish famine, it played the important role as a soup kitchen. It was in 1903 when John Friel purchased the building for its current use as a public house. Today this history is not forgotten as images mounted on the walls throughout the bar and restaurant remind visitors of just how far back Rafters dates.

When people visit Rafters, they want a true taste of local hospitality, a service that represents Ulster’s charm and history and Rafters does this exceptionally well. Hearty Sunday roasts served in a cosy setting complete with a roaring open fire beckon visitors from far and wide.

The food menu at Friel’s Restaurant gives this venue even more pulling power. Never forgetting where they come from, the Friels firmly believe in sourcing locally. Steaks are from local farms, poultry from province-wide businesses and fish from nearby shores.