One of the biggest dates on the calendar, St Patrick’s Day always encourages a party atmosphere in the city. Boasting one of the biggest Irish festivals in Europe, there’s loads to get involved with across Manchester, whether you’re a fan of Guinness or not.
Manchester Irish Festival
Europe’s biggest Irish festival has landed in Manchester with a 10 day-long takeover of the city and beyond. The festival encompasses 200 events, including the legendary annual parade, as well as live music, dancing and 12-hour St Patrick’s Day party on Sunday.
The Irish Nation art trail
The Irish Nation is a collection of Irish iconography by renowned mosaic artist Mark Kennedy. Including works featuring heroes like George Best, Oscar Wilde, Sinead O’Connor and Shane McGowan, the collection will be exhibited in cultural and creative venues throughout the city centre from 1 to 31 March. Commissioned by Irish Mancunian, an organisation that curates cultural events of Irish interest for Manchester audiences, The Irish Nation has been transformed into a free-to-view art trail with the support of global art producer Wild in Art, with each piece placed in a venue carefully selected to provide context to the piece.
Market Street Tavern: Irish Tap Takeover
The Marketside Tavern in Bury marks St Patrick’s Day with a series of Irish tap takeovers as part of their month-long celebration. Guests can switch it up from the traditional Guinness to try some of the rarer Irish pints including Conor McGregor’s Forged Irish Stout, Caffrey’s and Sullivan’s Golden Ale. Check The Marketside’s socials for more information and live music announcements.
Crazy Pedro’s: Bottomless Guinness
Yes, you read that right. Crazy Pedro’s is celebrating the big day with Bottomless Brunch, including bottomless schooners of Guinness. Taking place all day at the Bridge Street venue, guests can get bottomless slices of Pedro’s famous ‘za and if Guinness isn’t your preferred tipple, you can also choose from bottomless Hooch, Pedro’s Pilsner, Fizz, Frozen Margs and Jameson + Ginger.
Mulligan’s
The best pint of Guinness in the city? We think so. If you’re after a pint of Dublin’s finest on St Patrick’s Day, head down to Mulligans. It’s always packed, with good reason.
Red Light: Paddy’s Day Post-Pub Party
Red Light will welcome the Paddy’s Day crowds to their Kampus spot with an evening celebration of good Irish fun. Open from 4pm, Irish dancers will take to the floor until 6pm before the venue turns into a proper Irish ‘Hooley’. There will also be a DJ playing some of the most iconic Irish music (ranging from the likes of B*Witched to The Pogues to Cranberries).
New Century: Live music and free shots
New Century welcome Guinness back to the bar – hooray! You can get a free shot with every Guinness bought, as well as four for £10 on Baby Guinness and Jameson’s, with cocktails for £8 too. The St Patrick’s Day soundtrack will be provided by The Untold Orchestra.
Public: Paddy’s Day Bottomless Brunch
Another one for the Guinness fans – Public on Stevenson Square is adding unlimited Guinness to their Bottomless Brunch menu for one day only. Choose from their buttermilk chicken sando, hot oil gun gun noodles or cheeseburger and unlimited drinks (Guinness, margs, daiquiris, mimosas, pints + more).
Koffee Pot: Irish Breakfast
We reckon this is the perfect way to fuel up before a big day on the Guinness. Koffee Pot’s Irish Fry Up includes Littlewood’s Butchers dry-cured bacon, sausage, grilled tomato, potato cake, black and white pudding, egg, mushrooms and wholemeal soda bread. Phwoar.
Exhibition: Jameson’s Whiskey Competiton
Get the classic combination of a Guinness and three oysters for £10 at Exhibition this St Patrick’s Day. Alternatively, they’re running a limited-edition Jamesons luck of the Irish drinks menu. Grab a drink and you get a luck of the Irish coaster where there’s chance to win prizes.
Shack: Paddy’s Day Special Burger and Baby Guinness
Shack serve up their Paddy’s Day Special burger with THREE patties, cheddar cheese, brisket in Guinness gravy, onion rings, Jamesons BBQ, bacon and burger sauce. You can also add a pint of Guinness for just £3. Ok, so we all know Baby Guinness doesn’t ACTUALLY contain any Guinness, but it’s still bloomin’ lovely, so you can add one of those for £1 when you buy a pint on Sunday too.
Ghosts of Garage St Paddy’s Party
After the success of last year, Ghosts of Garage return for another St. Patrick’s Night special at a secret venue in Manchester city centre. With the booth in the centre of the dancefloor, expect a line-up of incredible talent including Zero (90 min set), Bushbaby, SIM Only, Kazy J and Hit & Run’s Rich Reason, all hosted by T-Man.
Elnecot: Half price pints of Guinness
Get a pint of Guinness for half price (that’s £3.25) when you dine at Elnecot on Sunday, including with their delicious roast dinners.
Dokes: Half price Guinness
Just like Elnecot, you can get a pint of Guinness for half price (£2.50) at Dokes when you dine on Sunday. The offer also includes their delicious roast dinners.
Freight Island: St Patrick’s Weekender
Experience the ultimate fan zone at Freight with the big Guinness Six Nations day, live Irish music, and DJ Jordan Villa setting the St. Paddy’s party feels.
