Categories > Guides and Tips
Your Handy Guide to Irlam, Greater Manchester – a Small Town with a Big Heart!
- Where is Irlam, Greater Manchester?
- What is the main road in Irlam, Greater Manchester?
- How to Get to Irlam
- Best Time to Go to Irlam
- What to Do and See in Irlam
- Hop off at Irlam Railway Station
- Watch a match at the Salford Community Stadium
- Meander through the Cadishead and Little Woolden Moss Nature Reserve
- Fly high at Manchester Barton Aerodrome
- Take a leisurely stroll at Prince’s Park
- Attend Irlam Live
- Piece the bricks together at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
- Where to Eat in Irlam
- The Station
- Las Bombas
- Cafe Vibe
- Where to Stay in Irlam
- The Black Swan
- Premier Inn Manchester Trafford Centre West
- FAQs about Irlam, Greater Manchester
Irlam in Greater Manchester—a town that feels a tad disconnected from the city, yet knows how to charm its way to your heart. It’s like a secret you have to keep, but it finds its way out to give you a memorable time.
The small town atmosphere is delightful, offering delicious eats, lively festivals, and bringing you close to attractions in Manchester. Yet, we understand when visitors are unsure what to do when they visit this pocket-sized town.
No more wondering, we say! We’ve collected our favourite things to do when in Irlam, including how to get here, places to see, hotels to stay in, spots to try out, and tips for a stress-free vacation. Let’s head out!
Where is Irlam, Greater Manchester?
Irlam is located in Salford, Greater Manchester. It’s to the west of Manchester city centre and is divided by the Manchester Ship Canal from Flixton and other sections of Trafford.
What is the main road in Irlam, Greater Manchester?
The main road in Irlam is the A57, which links it to Cadishead and Eccles. It also connects the town to other main roads in Manchester.
How to Get to Irlam
Train: The train is the easiest way to reach Irlam if you’re coming from Manchester and Liverpool. Simply get off at Irlam Station.
You can take the route going to Liverpool Lime Street, which stops at Irlam.
Bus: Various buses pass by Irlam from Manchester, Trafford Centre, and Eccles. Visit Bee Network to plan your journey and find the best routes wherever you are in the city.
Car: Irlam is connected to motorways, such as the M6, M60, and M62. From these roads, you can reach the town using your satnav.
Best Time to Go to Irlam
The end of May is hands down the best time to go to Irlam, Greater Manchester. It’s when Irlam Live is held, the annual festival that attracts thousands of people.
Book your accommodation early, though. There aren’t hotels near the venue, and you’ll find that the nearest ones in other towns will get booked quickly!
What to Do and See in Irlam
Hop off at Irlam Railway Station
Media credit: anscari19
Address: Station Road
You might be wondering why we’re suggesting the train station. We have a good reason for this.
You see, the Irlam Station is iconic in its own right. Its lovely exterior sums up what Irlam feels like: charming and historic with its own character. Take a photo with the Irlam sign and commemorate your visit!
There’s no need to spend a long while here, unless you plan on dining at the on-site cafe.
Watch a match at the Salford Community Stadium
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Address: 1 Stadium Way, Eccles
Website
When in Manchester, one must go to a match. And when in Irlam, one must take a quick 10-minute trip to Salford Community Stadium, home to the Salford Red Devils and the Sale Sharks.
Nothing beats watching live rugby, where you can cheer your heart out for your favourite team! But this stadium is more than that. If you’re lucky, you might get to attend events held at the stadium.
Meander through the Cadishead and Little Woolden Moss Nature Reserve
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Address: Astley Road
Website
This 115-hectare land, looked after by the Lancashire Wildlife Trust, is an important part of the area that’s being restored. The Cadishead and Little Woolden Moss Nature Reserve is starting to recover, as they were once exploited for peat extraction.
And yes, this area is open to the public, but walk only along the footpaths, which you can enter through Astley Road. Remember that this place is still healing, so avoid going astray as it can hurt the lands and it can be dangerous for you, too.
It’s a gorgeous place, though. It’s tranquil, where you can spot various wildlife that are once again enjoying the land. To get here from Irlam Station, take an 11-minute drive through Astley Road.
Fly high at Manchester Barton Aerodrome
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Address: Liverpool Road
Contact: +44 161 789 1362, [email protected]
Website
If you dream of flying high or fancy watching cool aircraft, take a little outing to Manchester Barton Aerodrome. It was the first municipal airport in the UK and was utilised for military aircraft maintenance and overhaul during World War II.
It continues to be an airfield, but nowadays, the public can visit to watch various aircraft, learn to fly, and experience what it’s like to fly.
That’s right! Anyone can enjoy flight experiences if you fancy admiring Greater Manchester from above. Should you prefer to see what it’s like to fly a plane without actually doing it, the on-site simulators can make you feel like a pilot for a day.
Take a leisurely stroll at Prince’s Park
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Address: 34 Highbury Avenue
Families needing the morning sun can swing by Prince’s Park, opposite the River Irwell Old Course. You could say that it’s just a park, but it offers plenty of outdoor activities and spaces for a quick picnic.
There’s a little playground for the kiddos, a skatepark for the teens and adults, and plenty of space for the dogs. Visit during the bank holiday in August for the Irlam and Cadishead Community Festival, which is full of family-friendly activities and fireworks.
Attend Irlam Live
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Address: Prince’s Park – 34 Highbury Avenue
Contact: 0843 289 0408, [email protected]
Website
Irlam may be a quiet suburb, but once festival season rolls around, it turns into a high-energy town that will chuff music lovers and foodies. The event takes place at the end of May, so plan your Irlam vacation!
A whole weekend with thousands of guests, a crazy lineup, and the hottest hits? Of course, we didn’t miss it!
To give you an idea of how brilliant this festival gets, previous guests include Keith Duffy and Brian McFadden of Boyzlife, English boy band Blue, and Dutch Eurodance group Vengaboys—I thought I’d mention, my millennial team screamed their hearts out!
Tickets are quick to sell out, by the way. We recommend purchasing early bird tickets to secure your spot and save some £. You’re going to want to try all sorts of food trucks, so setting aside even a couple of quid is necessary.
Piece the bricks together at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
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Address: Trafford Palazzo, The Trafford Centre
Contact: Help centre
Operating Hours:
- Monday: 10:30 am – 3 pm
- Tuesday – Thursday: 10:30 am – 3 pm
- Friday: 10:30 am – 3 pm
- Saturday – Sunday: 10:30 am – 6 pm
Click here for updated hours and last entry times
One of the most brick-tastic attractions near Irlam is the LEGOLAND Discovery Centre in Stretford. It’s only a 15-minute drive from town via Liverpool Road, making it a lovely place to visit with the kids.
It’s THE absolute stop if you’re with your little munchkins! All the attractions are kid-friendly, and it won’t take up your whole day because it isn’t a massive place—and it closes early in the afternoon—so you’ll still have plenty of time to explore other places.
What’s in here? The Ninjago City Adventure, which is like a training camp for future ninjas, a 4D cinema, a wizarding ride to help Merlin, and the Miniland built with over 1.5 million bricks!
Tip: You must bring your children because adults can only enter when they’re accompanied by kids. For adult nights, click here to see the dates when over-18s are allowed without the little ones.
Where to Eat in Irlam
The Station
Address: Irlam Station, Station Road
Contact: 0161 222 1923, [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Wednesday: 10 am – 5 pm
- Thursday – Friday: 10 am – 9 pm
- Saturday: 9 am – 9 pm
- Sunday: 9 am – 5 pm
Should you decide to take the train to Irlam, you cannot miss The Station. Its location at the railway station means you can dine right when you arrive or before you leave town.
Honestly, you cannot miss out on dining here. It’s stunning, picture-worthy, has a railway theme (they just had to, really), serves hearty meals, and is spot on for afternoon tea.
A popular meal is the Full Steam Ahead, made with sausages, bacon, hash browns, eggs, baked beans, mushrooms, and toast. Vegans and vegetarians won’t have to miss out on anything because they get classically English brekkies, too, but without meat!
Las Bombas
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Address: 597-599 Liverpool Road
Contact: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Sunday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 5 pm – 11 pm
- Thursday 5 pm – 12 am
- Friday: 4 pm – 1 am
- Saturday: 1 pm – 1 am
Latin American food in Irlam has never failed to impress our taste buds. Las Bombas, which translates to “the bombs,” nails it right with their big, bold flavours that pack a punch.
The menu is diverse, offering various flavours from South American countries. Expect birrias, tapas, tacos, burritos, and of course, a Latin American-inspired Sunday roast.
We cannot express enough our love for the Sunday roast with roast beef picanha, a perfectly seasoned meal that doesn’t feel overwhelming—a banging, comforting dish with the vibrant notes of Latin American cuisine.
Cafe Vibe
Media credit: cafevibeirlam
Address: 601 Liverpool Road
Contact: +44 7843 139054
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Friday: 9:30 am – 3 pm
- Saturday: 10 am – 5 pm
- Sunday: 10 am – 3 pm
Trying out local cafes when on vacation is a rule, isn’t it? Cafe Vibe, situated on Liverpool Road and a couple of minutes’ walk from the station, is a humble, family-run spot that you must try out.
It’s small and cosy, just the kind of place you want to be in when you’re looking for local hotspots. It’s a lovely find that’s just right for afternoon coffee.
The menu is surprisingly diverse, as it comes with British breakfast and Japanese food options. The 4-piece takoyaki is a good starter, while the katsu curry with rice is a sweet and savoury meal for the main.
Where to Stay in Irlam
Irlam isn’t booming with hotels, which is normal for a small suburban town. Instead, check out accommodations nearby, all just a quick drive away.
The Black Swan
Address: 550 Manchester Road, Rixton, Warrington
Contact: 0161 222 4444, [email protected]
Check-in & Checkout Times: 3 pm & 10 am
Pricing: ££
Website
Located 5 minutes away from Irlam Station, The Black Swan in Hollis Green is a stunning place to stay. It’s cosy, homely, and just overall lovely, with only 14 guest rooms, uniquely designed with a mix of vintage and contemporary motifs.
The amenities are the usual ones you get at a hotel, like a TV, toiletries, hot drink facilities and WiFi. Frankly, it’s the charming designs that will reel you in.
The surrounding areas allow for relaxed strolls. The accommodation also hosts a pub and a dining room, with classic British bites and seasonal meals.
Premier Inn Manchester Trafford Centre West
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Address: Trafford Quays, Old Park Lane, The Trafford Centre, Trafford Park, Stretford
Contact: 0333 321 1318
Check-in & Checkout Times: 3 pm & 12 pm
Pricing: £
Website
Premier Inn has loads of hotels in Greater Manchester, and one of them is only 10 minutes from Irlam. It’s conveniently located, given that it’s near attractions we recommend, like LEGOLAND Discovery Centre.
It gives you the best of both worlds because you’re basically near Irlam and the Trafford Centre, a large shopping mall. The amenities are complete, including WiFi, tea and coffee-making facilities, and a workspace.
It’s not fancy, but it has all that you need. There’s a 24/7 on-site restaurant and discounted rates for Horizon Parking.
Premier Inn has other locations near Irlam: Trafford Centre North and Warrington (M6/J21). You can pick which one you prefer, depending on what works best with your schedule.
