Manchester knows how to throw a party, and when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, we don’t hold back. Often cited as the best place to celebrate outside of Dublin, the city is gearing up for Manchester Irish Festival—ten days of music, culture, and high‑energy shenanigans, coming into its 36th anniversary year.
From March 8 to 17, Europe’s largest Irish festival takes over the streets with over 100 events, so much so that it can be hard to make sense of it. So we’ve assembled a guide to the highlights of this year’s festivities.
2026 Irish Festival highlights
Manchester Irish Festival Village
Dates: Thursday, March 12 – Tuesday, March 17
Location: St Ann’s Square
The heart of the festival returns with a massive pop‑up marquee featuring live music, fry‑up pizzas, and plenty of Guinness leading up to St. Patrick’s Day.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Time: Departs at 12pm
Route: Starting from the Irish World Heritage Centre in Cheetham Hill, the parade includes over 30 floats, marching bands, and dance troupes. It finishes near King Street by the Festival Village.
Am I Irish Yet?
Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026 (Early Festival Kick‑off)
Location: Irish World Heritage Centre
Kate Kerrigan’s acclaimed show opens the festival, exploring the ‘Plastic Paddy’ identity with humour and heart.
7 Drunken Nights: The Story of the Dubliners
Date: Sunday, March 15, 2026
Location: Manchester Opera House
The 10th Anniversary tour of this major stage show—an ideal way to end parade day.
St. Patrick’s Day at O’Sheas
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Instagram post via @osheasirishbar
Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Location: 80 Princess Street
O’Sheas hosts a St. Patrick’s Night Party from 7pm to 2am, with a live music line-up including Jimmy Doc and Green Hot Clover.
O’Sheas’ famous Irish Breakfast (available from 10am) is extremely popular but of course, worth it — so booking is recommended.
Key dates for Manchester Irish Festival 2026
March 7 — National Irish Studies Conference (Official Opening)
March 12 — Festival Village in St Ann’s Square Opens
March 15 — The Grand Parade (12pm) & 7 Drunken Nights at the Opera House
March 17 — St. Patrick’s Day Finale at O’Sheas