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 décor 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. O’Connell’s
Adding to the rise in Irish bars popping up in and around Manchester is O’Connell’s. Taking over the infamous arches of The Thirsty Scholar near Oxford Road, O’Connell’s features interior elements sourced directly from Ireland (the bar is from a bank in Dublin). You can also expect plenty of craic, a packed programme of live music and a proper pint of Guinness.
📍O’Connell’s, 50 New Wakefield Street, Manchester, M1 5NP.
4. The Salmon of Knowledge
Located at the former Northern Quarter site of PLY and overlooking Stevenson Square in Manchester is The Salmon of Knowledge, an Irish bar with a difference. Symbolising “the pursuit of wisdom and the transformative power of knowledge”, The Salmon of Knowledge also brings with it cracking Irish-inspired scran, top tier pints of beer and stout, plenty of atmosphere as well as more obscure items, such as a confession box. You’ll also find a wide choice of drinks to choose from including plenty of Guinness lines, plus 50 distinct whiskeys as well as the full range of beer from Franciscan Well brewery in Cork.
📍The Salmon of Knowledge, 26 Lever St, Manchester, M1 1DW.
5. 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.
6. Nancy Spains
Adding to the influx of Irish pubs opening in Manchester is Nancy Spains and it’s set to open ahead of St Patrick’s Day. The Manchester pub marks their expansion outside of London and will bring a blend of Irish hospitality, live music, and pints of Murphy’s to the city. Designed to honour Irish culture while embracing the dynamic energy of its new location, Nancy Spains Manchester will feature an array of Irish whiskeys and their infamous pints of Murphy’s Stout (you won’t find Guinness at this Irish pub), live music performances, and a lively late-night setting.
📍Nancy Spains, 21 Hilton Street, Manchester, M1 1JJ.
7. O’Malley’s
Throwing its hat into the ring as one of the newest Irish bars in Manchester is O’Malley’s, which opened in February and can be found on Portland Street. The bar promises live music, ‘good drinks’ and ‘great food’ – say no more. O’Malley’s has a cracking happy hour, which runs Monday to Friday, 3pm to 6pm, where you can enjoy £6 ocktails, selected beer and cider for £4, pints of Guinness for £5 and bottles of house wine for £18. Sláinte!
📍O’Malleys, 11 Portland St, Manchester, M1 3HU.
8. 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, M4 2BS.
9. Mother Mary’s
Taking over the former Font Bar site with a bang is Mother Mary’s, an independent music and Irish bar close to Manchester Oxford Road station. The menu features all-day breakfasts, brunch, hearty Irish favourites and a show-stopping Sunday roast. The drinks menu also pays homage to the history of the sites former resident serving a £2 cocktail called ‘The Font’.
📍 Mother Mary’s, 7-9 New Wakefield St, Manchester, M1 5NP.