Mulligans

Our city has had a large Irish community since the 16th Century, with historic periods like the Great Famine and Industrial Revolution causing numbers to spike. At one point, the area around Angel Meadow was even known as Little Ireland, a neighbourhood notorious for families living in overcrowded squalor. Digressions aside, the point is that any boozer claiming to be “the home of Guinness in Manchester” better have the credentials to back it up. For many, Mulligans has passed the test and then some, with this place renowned for the perfect pour of the black stuff alongside excellent live music, sports, and the kind of atmosphere that invites you to stay for a while.

In 2024, owner Pádraig Brady announced a huge extension to what is essentially a back street boozer smack bang in the heart of the city, a stone’s throw from Deansgate. Once just a downstairs space, an upper level has opened the Mulligans building up with a number of additional seats across two balconies. All of which is a sign of how busy things can get here, especially on weekends and special occasions — this is one of the headiest choices if you happen to be in town for Six Nations rugby or St Patrick’s Day. 

Although Mulligans is first and foremost about drinks and the craic, the kitchen also does some very good food. It’s also worth mentioning there are nine hotel rooms available to book, if you want to stay somewhere central but keep it unique. Finally, Manchester’s oldest Irish pub is a living legend when it comes to live bands, with Emerald Isle-style trad music particularly dominant.