From Gaelic sports and live music to great Guinness and pub grub, these are the best Irish bars in Manchester.
Irish bars are having a moment in Manchester. Whether you’re looking to cosy up in a traditional pub, sing along to live music or just enjoy a quality pint of the black stuff, you’ll find plenty of places to do it in the city centre and beyond. Here’s a round up of the best Irish bars in Manchester.
Looking to sip a Guinness in the sun? Take a look at our round-up of the best beer gardens in Manchester.
Mulligans
Credit: Mulligans
Manchester’s oldest and most famous Irish bar, Mulligans has been packing in the punters for years now, with no signs of slowing down. Known for its exceptional Guinness and its lively atmosphere, there’s a reason why people queue down the street to get in. With live music every night of the week and live sports on the telly, there’s always something going on.
In a nutshell: Possibly the best Guinness in Manchester.
Find it: Mulligans, 12 Southgate, Manchester, M3 2RB.
The Salmon of Knowledge
A modern Irish pub in the heart of the Northern Quarter, The Salmon serves up live sports, live music and cracking vibes, every night of the week. You’ll find Guinness and Murphy’s on draught, alongside over 30 whiskeys and a range of cocktails – the Irish coffee is a delight. Peckish? There’s burgers, loaded fries and boxty – potato pancakes – to tuck into.
In a nutshell: A popular bar where sports and music rule the roost.
Find it: The Salmon of Knowledge, 26 Lever Street, Manchester, M1 1DW & 655-657 Wilmslow Rd, Didsbury, Manchester, M20 6RA.
Duffy’s
Credit: Duffy’s Bar
Situated in Chorlton, Duffy’s is a neighbourhood bar with plenty of charm. Irish sporting memorabilia adorns the walls, the staff are friendly and there’s live music on the weekends. It shows all the big games including Gaelic football, but here’s the best bit – it’s less than a fiver for a pint of the black stuff. Consider us sold!
In a nutshell: A friendly neighbourhood bar with pocket-friendly pints.
Find it: Duffy’s Bar, 398 Barlow Moor Road, Chorlton-cum-Hardy, Manchester, M21 8AD.
Nancy Spain’s
Credit: Sophia J Carey
Named after the first-ever Irish landlady in London, Nancy Spain’s has opened its first venue outside of the capital, shacking up on Hilton Street in the Northern Quarter. There’s Gaelic sports on the screens and live music every night of the week, including intimate trad sessions on Thursdays. They don’t serve Guinness – it’s Murphy’s all the way here.
In a nutshell: A lively celebration of Irish culture.
Find it: Nancy Spain’s, 21 Hilton Street, Manchester, M11 1JJ.
O’Sheas
On the site of an old warehouse in Little Ireland, O’Sheas is one of Manchester’s most legendary Irish bars. They’ve been serving pints of the black stuff for over three decades, while showing all the live sports – English, Gaelic and otherwise. There’s also live music and a more-than-decent food menu packed with Irish classics at affordable prices.
In a nutshell: A Manchester institution that serves a quality Irish fry up for just £7.95.
Find it: O’Sheas, 80 Princess Street, Manchester, M1 6NF.
O’Connell’s
Tucked away under the railway arches off Oxford Road, O’Connells has taken over the former Thirsty Scholar venue. There’s a huge terrace outside, perfect for al fresco drinking and safe from the elements, while inside is kitted out with reclaimed furniture. Expect live music five nights a week and plenty of cosy corners to hide away in.
In a nutshell: A legendary venue with a whole new identity.
Find it: O’Connell’s, 50 New Wakefield Street, Manchester, M1 5NP.
Kennedy’s
Kennedy’s wouldn’t look out of place in Temple Bar, but you’ll find it in leafy Altrincham and Didsbury, where both venues have fast-become an integral part of each town’s pub scene. It’s the perfect place for a quiet pint and a spot of grub during the day, while nighttime brings live music and revelry. The Altrincham venue even has its own Irish deli next door where you can buy groceries and an excellent chicken fillet roll.
In a nutshell: A stunning pub that ticks all the boxes.
Find it: Kennedy’s, 28-32 Greenwood Street, Altrincham, WA14 1RZ & 700 Wilmslow Road, Didsbury, Manchester M20 2DN.
Kiely’s
Credit: Kielys
Opening back in 2017, way before the recent resurgence of Irish bars in Manchester, Kiely’s is slap bang in the middle of the city in the bottom of a tower block. You’ll find Guinness and Hop House on draught, plenty of whiskeys and a packed calendar of live music. If there’s sports on, they’ll show it, making it a failsafe when you’re in need of a place to catch the big game.
In a nutshell: Sports and pints in a simple, modern setting.
Find it: Kiely’s, 1 Watson Street, Manchester, M3 4EE.
O’Malleys
Credit: O’Malleys
Another new addition to Manchester’s burgeoning Irish bar scene, you’ll find O’Malleys at the top of Portland Street, a stone’s throw from Piccadilly Gardens. There’s live sport and music, Guinness and Murphy’s on tap and outdoor seating for those warmer days. Visit on a Monday and you can even snaffle half-price food – result!
In a nutshell: A welcoming Irish pub with a hearty food menu.
Find it: O’Malleys, 11 Portland Street, Manchester, M1 3HU.
The Auld Chimp
Out in the suburbs, The Auld Chimp is a newly-opened Irish pub with a lot of soul. There’s a focus on authenticity and tradition, with all the GAA matches shown, trad sessions and Irish dancing. They’ve even got their very own version of St James’s Gate! With Guinness and Murphy’s on tap and plenty of outdoor seating, it’s ideal for sunshine pints.
In a nutshell: A charming pub right next to Urmston Railway Station.
Find it: The Auld Chimp, 2 Station Bridge, Station Road, Urmston, Manchester, M41 9SB.
