The Farmer’s Home Strabane: Inside one of Co Tyrone’s oldest watering holes

Paint a picture of an authentic and traditional Irish pub experience - and you’ll probably draw something like the scene that awaits you at The Farmer’s Home in Strabane. A lit fire, no TVs and a bit of craic from owner John McGowan is what awaits you - before you might make your way to one of the old rooms perfect for pulling up a stool with your mates and escape to a time before wifi and smartphones. There is debate amongst the Strabane community about when this pub first opened, with legend having it that King James stopped off for a nightcap on his way to the Siege of Derry in 1690. However, local historian Michael Kennedy says it’s more likely that it first opened its doors in the 1870s.. “This place would be well known as the oldest hostelry in town,” Michael told MyTyrone. “Well known outside of town as well and the interesting thing is that about 20 years ago the geological society of Ireland produced a book on family names and the outside of this building was used as the feature. “Legend goes that King James on his way through here stopped for a bed and something to eat on the way to the Siege of Derry in 1690. “I’m not sure that was true, I do know that he did definitely stop in Cavanacor House on the Lifford side of the river. “But if he was here, fair play to him as he chose a good place to come. Read more: https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/no... Video: Harry Bateman __________________________________________________________________ Have you downloaded the Belfast Live app? Search for Belfast Live in the Google Play store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/de... Search for Belfast Live in the App Store if you're on iOs: https://apps.apple.com/ie/app/belfast... SUBSCRIBE to other Belfast Live social channels: TWITTER |   / belfastlive   INSTAGRAM |   / belfastlive   FACEBOOK |   / belfastliveonline   WEBSITE | https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/ You can get daily news updates straight to your inbox via our daily newsletter - sign up here: https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/newslet... GET IN TOUCH WITH BELFAST LIVE   Email: [email protected] Got a story? Call us on 028 90568000