St Patrick's Day: The best Irish pubs in Manchester

Ah, the Irish bar. The place where you can go for a proper pint of Guinness, some good craic, and maybe even a smattering of traditional Irish music. But, when St Patrick's Day comes around, these bars burst into life, becoming rowdy havens of pissed-up patrons celebrating anything and everything Irish. 

Manchester is no stranger to these establishments and is definitely no stranger to proper good craic come Paddy’s Day. So, with that in mind, we've rounded up the best of the best for you to enjoy. So sit back, relax, and let us take you on a tour of the top Irish bars in Manchester. Sláinte!

Mulligans

Image: Mulligans on Facebook

Where: 12 Southgate, Deansgate, Manchester, M3 2RB 

Tucked away just off of Deansgate, Mulligans is the go-to Irish bar for many in the city, serving up pints of the black stuff to thirsty Mancunians for over 30 years. The bar boasts a cosy and welcoming atmosphere, with an impressive collection of Irish whiskies and beers, but the real attraction is its Guinness, with many putting it amongst the best outside of Dublin. 

This St Patricks Day, Mulligan's won't be skimping on occasion. Open from 11am, with continuous live music from 1pm, the vibes will be set high, and be undeniably drenched in an Irish charm. Whether you're looking for a lively evening with live music or a quiet drink with friends, Mulligans is the place to be.

O'Sheas

Image: O'Sheas on Facebook

Where: 80 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6NF 

If you're looking for a traditional Irish pub experience, look no further than O'Sheas. Found on one of the main corners of Princess Street in the heart of Manchester's Gay Village. With its warm and inviting atmosphere, live music, and an extensive selection of beers, O'Sheas is the perfect spot to unwind or party in an Irish setting.

For St Patricks Day 2023, O’Sheas will be supplying live Irish music, both traditional and modern, from early doors. Artists performing throughout the day will be Lochin, Joe Keegan, and Green Hot Clove, with the latter two coming back for another set at night. The Guinness will be flowing and the singalongs aplenty; the perfect spot for a Paddy's Day party.

The Corner Boy NQ

Image: The Corner Boy NQ on Facebook

Where: 21 Hilton St, Manchester, M1 1JJ

The Corner Boy is a hidden gem located in the heart of the Northern Quarter on Stevenson Square. This bar is perfect for those looking for a relaxed atmosphere, away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre. With its cosy interiors, friendly staff, an impressive selection of beers and ciders, and a selection of banging scran; The Corner Boy is a great spot to chill with your pals any time of the year.

Yet, when Paddy Day comes around, you can only guarantee that the cosy atmosphere will be having a day off, with The Corner Boy all but guaranteed to crank out a day-long party of obscene proportions. Awesome Live Irish music and DJs are guaranteed to set the vibe and the plentiful pints of the black stuff will do the rest; a great option to make the 2023 edition one to remember. 

O'Neills

Image: O'Neills on Facebook

Where: The Printworks, 27 Withy Grove, Greater, Manchester M4 2BS

Another gem in the city centre is O'Neill's; a place with a reputation for being one of the liveliest Irish pubs in Manchester. You can find the pub nestled in the Printworks, just a stone's throw away from the iconic Manchester Arena and Manchester Victoria station. With its traditional decor, live music, and a wide selection of beers, this bar is a favourite amongst locals and tourists alike. 

But when St Patricks Day 2023 comes around, you just know that things will be getting that bit rowdier. With 2-4-1 Baby Guinness, £2 Guinness for anyone named Patrick or Patricia, and a whole catalogue of live music throughout the day, it looks likely to be a special one this year at O’Niells, get yourself down and don't miss out. 

Kielys Irish Bar

Image: Kielys Irish Bar on Facebook

Where: 1 Watson St, Manchester, M3 4EE

Last but not least, Kielys Irish Bar, whilst the newest on this list (opening in 2017, and being the first Irish bar to open for 10 years in Manchester at the time), the boozer is a must-visit for anyone looking for an authentic Irish pub experience. This bar is located just off the Great Northern complex on Deansgate and is known for its relaxing vibe, an extensive selection of Irish Whiskeys, as well as a bloody good pint of Guinness for all you connoisseurs. Kielys is a great spot to celebrate any occasion or simply enjoy a pint of Guinness with friends.

One celebration you can be missing in Kielys is St Patricks Day. This year the pub will be pulling out all the stops, with live music from 2 till close and some great opportunities to win free Guinness store merch. There are no tickets for this one, so it’ll be first come first serve, so get down early as to not miss out!

So you know where to best Irish Bars are, but where are all the St Patricks Day Events in Manchester? Don't worry, there are loads on sale on Skiddle, and you can find them by clicking, or tapping - HERE

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.