If you’re on the lookout for a cosy spot to celebrate the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day or you’re just in the mood for Irish fun, then you’re in luck! Manchester has many Irish pubs that offer a delightful blend of warmth, camaraderie, and a hearty dose of Irish charm.

In this article, we’ll go on a tour of some of the best Irish pubs in town. Are you ready to go to places where the Guinness flows freely and the fun never stops?

Read on.

1. O’Sheas Irish Bar

Services: Dine in

Website: https://osheasirishbarm1.co.uk

Address: 80 Princess St, Manchester M1 6NF, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 236 3906

Operating Hours: Sunday: 11:00 AM–11:00 PM

Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00 AM–11:00 PM

Friday to Saturday: 10:00 AM–1:00 AM

O’Sheas Irish Bar is an easygoing spot where customers can revel in Irish vibes and flavours. We also discovered that they’ve gained the Manchurian stamp of approval as they have been operational in the city for over 20 years. 

While closed on Mondays (a tad disappointing), we truly appreciate their extended opening hours until 11:00 pm most nights. On top of this, their hours are even extended up to 1:00 am during peak days. 

They boast a diverse selection of Irish libations like The Exiles, Jawbox Single Estate, and Bertha’s Revenge Irish Milk – a real treat if you’re after an authentic experience.

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But what adds to their charm is the availability of other beverages like coffee and wine that cater to varied preferences.

When it comes to food, we learned that they are also renowned for brunch staples: sandwiches, and burgers.

According to their regulars, stepping into this pub feels like a warm Irish embrace. They added that this is thanks to the friendly and amiable staff.

Furthermore, we believe that their entertainment lineup which features live bands, sports events, and other engaging activities, truly adds to the vibrant atmosphere.

Lastly, we love how O’Sheas is also wallet-friendly and inviting, with drinks starting at £1.90!

2. Mulligans

Services: Dine in

Website: http://www.mulligansofdeansgate.com/

Address: 12 Southgate, Manchester M3 2RB, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 832 9233

Operating Hours: Sunday: 12:00 PM–1:00 AM

Monday to Wednesday: 12:00 PM–11:00 PM

Thursday to Saturday: 12:00 PM–1:00 AM

Mulligans stood out to us with their over nine short-term rental rooms atop the pub. For us, this makes them a prime destination for tourists seeking an Irish experience while in Manchester.

We like that they’re situated conveniently at Deansgate — one of the city’s popular destinations. With this, they offer easy access for visitors who want to explore as many establishments as possible in the area.

We learned that they pride themselves on their reliable and approachable staff. However, reports from regulars suggest that Fridays tend to get crowded results in longer wait times for orders.

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We’re also a bit iffy as customers have pointed out that this pub leans towards the pricier side compared to other pubs in the vicinity.

However, we think that they’re worth the extra cost as they don’t disappoint with their selection of drinks. Here, they offer Guinness and many other authentic Irish beverages. 

Unfortunately, while they excel in their drink offerings, the same can’t be said for their food choices. With limited options available,  we believe that it’s advisable for visitors to grab a bite elsewhere before indulging here.

Despite this, we believe that they’re worth the try for their accessibility and wide selection of beverages.

3. Bar Eight

Services: Dine in, Take out

Website: https://bareight.co.uk/

Address: Castle Quay, Manchester M15 4NT, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 839 1622

Operating Hours: Sunday to Friday: 12:00 PM–11:00 PM

Saturday: 12:00 PM–1:00 AM

Bar Eight presents a traditional pub experience wrapped in a cosy atmosphere. We appreciate that dining here is accompanied by lively music that sets the tone for a spirited visit.

Regulars laud this team for their accommodating and enthusiastic staff. They added that this contributes significantly to the vibrant and welcoming ambience of the pub.

Unfortunately, this lively experience comes at a cost. We received complaints about expensive drinks from regulars.

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We think that the location may contribute to the higher costs experienced by patrons. Since the pub is positioned in the prime area of Castle Quay, it’s understandable that their offerings lean towards the pricier side. 

On the bright side, we like that they offer a commendable selection of Irish drinks that cater to the tastes of enthusiasts seeking authentic flavours.

However, we learned that the true stars of this establishment are their freshly prepared dishes. From all-day breakfast options to classics like fish and chips and the comforting Sunday roast, we’re impressed that the food menu showcases their culinary prowess.

Despite their high costs, we believe that this is a must-try for those who are eager to drink and dine in the true Irish experience.

4. O’Neill’S 

Services: Dine in, Take out

Website: https://www.oneills.co.uk/

Address: The Printworks, 27 Withy Grove, Greater, Manchester M4 2BS, United Kingdom

Contact Details: +44 161 839 0605

Operating Hours: Sunday: 12:00 PM–10:30 PM

Monday to Thursday: 12:00 PM–11:00 PM

Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM–2:00 AM

O’Neill fits the bill perfectly for those seeking a laid-back ambience coupled with big-screen sports and live music. We like that they offer a casual yet vibrant setting with Irish inspiration.

Furthermore, this pub is also wallet-friendly and ideal for the budget-conscious. 

Along with this, we noticed that many people we surveyed also praised their reliable and welcoming staff. In fact, regulars have shared that they often feel accommodated and at ease here.

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However, it’s worth noting that we also received reports of slower service during packed Fridays and Saturdays.

On a brighter note, we like that they stay open until 2:00 am — catering to those seeking late-night revelry, drinking, and dancing to their heart’s content.

This pub also impresses with a wide selection of Irish drinks such as Brewdog, Punk Ipa, Guinness, and Peroni. But what truly made them stand out to us are their drink packages which make an affordable option for big groups.

We believe that the pub shines with their array of sharing plates, featuring favourites like the Macho Nacho, Garlic Pizza Bread, and Chicken Wing Platter. If you ask us, this makes them an ideal stop for those looking to snack and share while enjoying the lively atmosphere.

5. Waxy O’Connors

Services: Dine in

Website: https://www.manchesterbars.com/waxyoconnors.

Address: The Printworks, 27 Withy Grove, Manchester, M4 2BS

Contact Details: +44 0871 230 5520

Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday: 12:00 PM–12:00 PM

Friday to Saturday: 12:00 PM–2:00 AM

Waxy O’Connors stood out to us as they’re labyrinth of three bars sprawling across four levels. We like that they boast nine distinct areas interlinked by a maze of passages and staircases.

We’re also impressed with their food selection which includes  Irish Mussels, Irish Lamb Stew,  All-Day Irish Breakfast, and 10 oz Rib-Eye Steak with all the trimmings.

Their drink menu is also filled with both Irish and regular beverage options. Non-alcoholic beverages are also available for those who don’t intend on getting tipsy at the end of their visit.

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Furthermore, they’re also conveniently located at The Printworks — making it easy for diners to drop by. 

Aside from their location, we’re also happy with their long operating hours. Patrons can enjoy their stay up to 2:00 pm — making this place an ideal location for those who want to make the most out of their night.

Patrons can expect lively and helpful staff. According to their regulars, they appreciate the friendly demeanour of the servers which enhances the overall experience of dining here.

While a tad on the expensive side, the experience feels justified when considering their unique multi-level layout, premium menu offerings, convenient accessibility, and reliable customer service.

FAQs about Irish Pubs in Manchester