Grab a stool, a Guinness and call out “Sláinte!”, cos it’s time to get into the spirit at one of the many Irish bars in Manchester. Whether you bleed emerald or just adore a pint of the black stuff, there’s no better excuse than Paddy’s Day to enjoy a good old knees-up with those who do it best: the Irish themselves. From the traditional pubs to those alive and kickin’ with live music, we’ve rounded up the best Irish bars in Manchester to enjoy this St Patrick’s Day – AKA, the booze-infused pots of gold at the end of the rainbow.
1. O’Shea’s Irish Bar
One of the most beloved and established Irish bars in Manchetser (for over 20 years now, in fact!), O’Shea’s is the place to be if you want atmosphere by the bucket load – especially on Paddy’s Day. Found bang in the city centre, the classic pub boasts tons of space for dancing, plenty of craft beers and, of course, rivers of Guinness – which can be enjoyed alongside live music, proper Irish hospitality and Irish pub grub. O’Shea’s, 80 Princess St, M1 6NF.
2. Mulligan’s
If it’s authenticity you’re after, Mulligan’s is the place to be. A proper backstreet Irish pub just off Deansgate, the no-nonsense pub puts a focus on good pints of Guinness – they claim the best you can get outside the motherland – and even better craic. Expect traditional decor synonymous with what you’d find in Ireland itself at the oldest Irish pub in Manchester, in addition to plenty of Irish whiskeys and their own array of Mulligan’s draught beers on tap, too. Mulligan’s, 12 Southgate, M3 2RB.
3. The Corner Boy
Now a cornerstone of the Northern Quarter and relatively new addition to Manchester’s Irish pub scene, The Corner Boy brings the essence of the Emerald Isle with bags of style, boasting cool retro decor that amalgamates well with the rest of the Northern Quarter – despite its subtle shamrock-green finishes that nod to the bar’s inspiration. The drinks menu is where guests will find the good stuff, including fresh pints of Guinness, shots of Baby Guinness, mugs full of Irish coffee and even clover-covered cocktails. The Corner Boy, 21 Hilton St, M1 1JJ.
4. Kiely’s Irish Bar
Following success in their home country of Ireland, Kiely’s of Manchester showcases its Irish pride within their contemporary city-centre bar – which just so happens to be the perfect place for a Guinness on the rare occasion that the sun is shining in Manchester. Home to a small outdoor terrace and boasting floor-to-ceiling windows at the front of the venue, the bright and airy bar is fantastic for summer, and even serves up an array of cocktails that are spot-on for the warmer weather. Kiely’s of Manchester, 1 Watson St, M3 4EE.
5. Bar Eight
Tucked away by the water in Castlefield, Bar Eight is a classic boozer with an Irish twist – serving up not only classic Irish tipples such as whiskey and Guinness, but idyllic waterside vibes with their beer garden, too… The latter of which alone earns its way onto this list. Think live music, traditional Irish decor and even Sunday roasts. Bar Eight, Castle Quay, M15 4NT.
6. O’Neill’s Printworks
There’s a great vibe at the Printworks on a weekend, particularly in O’Neill’s – the complex’s resident Irish bar (following the closure of Waxy O’Connor’s). A huge space where guests can drink and dance while celebrating the Emerald Isle, O’Neill’s often hosts live music sets, which guests can enjoy alongside cocktail trees to share with mates, beers, gins, and whiskeys. O’Neill’s, The Printworks, 27 Withy Grove, Greater, M4 2BS.
7. O’Shea’s Outdoor Beer Garden
A seasonal extension of one of the already fantastic Irish bars in Manchester, O’Shea’s, O’Shea’s beer garden is ideal for summer drinks with mates – thanks to its sun-trap location near Piccadilly station. Home to live sports, cold pints of the black stuff, live music and tons of cocktails, guests are sure to be in the Irish spirit after a couple of pints and a dance in the sunshine. O’Shea’s Beer Garden, M12 6FZ.