Paint the town green: where to celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2025 in Manchester

St. Patrick’s Day in Manchester is a full-blown celebration of the city’s deep and proud Irish roots. Falling on Monday 17th March 2025, this year’s festivities are set to be bigger, bolder, and more joyful than ever.

With around 35% of Mancunians claiming Irish ancestry, it’s no wonder the city turns a brilliant shade of green each March. Whether you’re Irish by blood or just Irish at heart, there’s no excuse not to dust off your finest shamrock-covered gear, throw on a leprechaun hat, channel your inner Father Ted, and head out for a pint of Guinness, Murphy’s, or Beamish (we don’t judge).

But here’s the thing. St. Paddy’s Day in Manchester doesn’t end when the clock strikes midnight. This city keeps the craic going all week long, with parades, parties, live music, and even a few surprises. From heritage trails to epic pub sessions, Manchester is ready to throw one of the biggest and best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the UK.

So whether you’re in it for the Guinness, the tunes, the dancing, or just the chance to wear as much green as humanly possible — here are some of the best events to get involved in this St. Patrick’s Day 2025.

What’s on in Manchester this St. Patrick’s Day

Manchester’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The annual Manchester St. Patrick’s Day Parade is back in full swing and promises to be bigger and better than ever. Celebrating its 35th year, this much-loved event brings together thousands of people to honour Manchester’s deep connections with Ireland. Starting at the Irish World Heritage Centre and finishing on Deansgate, the parade will feature Irish county flags, GAA sports teams, Irish dancers, pipe bands, and colourful floats. It’s a free, family-friendly event that welcomes everyone to celebrate Irish culture and heritage. Expect a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, community spirit, and a whole lot of green.

Where: From Irish World Heritage Centre to Deansgate
When: Sunday 16th March, 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Entry: Free

Irish Festival Village

St Anne’s Square will be transformed into an Irish Festival Village, hosted by Irish Community Care Manchester. Across ten days, St Ann’s Square will be packed with Irish food and drink stalls, live music, street performances, and even an outdoor screen showing the Six Nations Rugby. The festival will also host the Siopa na hÉireann pop-up shop, selling Irish produce and gifts, with all proceeds supporting community projects.

Where: St Ann’s Square, Manchester City Centre
When: Friday 7th March – Monday 17th March
Entry: Free

Manchester Irish Passport: Heritage Hunt

Take a walk through history with the Manchester Irish Passport Heritage Hunt, a self-guided tour exploring the city’s Irish heritage. Pick up a passport booklet and follow a fascinating trail to discover stories of Irish migration, local landmarks, and key figures who helped shape Manchester’s identity. A brilliant way to connect with the city’s Irish roots, suitable for all ages.

Where: Across various locations in Manchester (booklets available at Irish Community Care office and Festival Village)
When: Throughout March
Entry: Suggested donation of £2.50

St. Patrick’s Day at The Salmon of Knowledge

One of Manchester’s newest Irish bars, The Salmon of Knowledge is throwing an all-day celebration with live folk music from Parcel O’ Rogues, great Irish beers and whiskeys, and a fantastic party atmosphere. On Friday they have Colleen Langan, Morrigan’s Bow and Sonas Irish Dancer performing. Saturday sees Honey I Shrunk the Band take the stage. Morrigan’s Bow are back on Sunday before Parcel O’ Rogues, Eat the Frog and Joe Keegan take the party on late into the night.

Where: The Salmon of Knowledge, Northern Quarter
When: 14th-17th March, from 12:00 pm
Entry: Free

Albert’s Schloss goes green

Albert’s Schloss will go green for a two-week Irish celebration featuring a menu of Guinness-braised pies, colcannon, sticky toffee pudding, and more. Expect live music, drag bingo, and the return of their famous ‘Dice to Pay’ game, where diners can roll for their bill. A perfect spot for foodies and party lovers alike.

Where: Albert’s Schloss, Peter Street
When: Tuesday 5th March – Monday 17th March
Entry: Free (Food and drink available to purchase)

Mulligans’ mega St. Patrick’s Day Party

Mulligans, Manchester’s most famous Irish pub, is hosting an epic St. Patrick’s Day party, running from morning until the early hours. With eight bands playing live Irish folk and rock music, including some of Manchester’s best-known Irish musicians, plus plenty of Guinness and whiskey, this is where to go for a true Irish pub experience.

Where: Mulligans of Deansgate, Manchester
When: Monday 17th March, from 11:00 am until late
Entry: £20 (on the door)

The Golden Shamrock Escape Adventure

Join a city-wide escape game that takes teams on an adventure across Manchester to find the missing Golden Shamrock. Blending Irish folklore with puzzles and clues, this interactive event is a brilliant option for families, friends, and teams looking for something a little different.

Where: Starts at Manchester Central Library
When: Thursday 14th March – Sunday 23rd March
Entry: £12 per person

Kennedy’s Altrincham Paddy’s Weekend Bash

For those in South Manchester, Kennedy’s Irish Bar in Altrincham is putting on a three-day celebration. Expect live Irish music, whiskey tastings, and hearty Irish dishes, creating a proper Irish bar atmosphere away from the city crowds.

Where: Kennedy’s Irish Bar, Altrincham
When: Friday 15th March – Monday 17th March
Entry: Free

Crazy Pedro’s Bottomless Guinness Brunch

Pizza, Guinness, and good times. Crazy Pedro’s is offering a bottomless brunch with 90 minutes of unlimited Guinness, prosecco, margaritas, and Hooch, alongside their famous pizzas with Irish twists. Both city-centre locations will be running brunch sessions all weekend long — perfect for a fun, laid-back way to celebrate.

Where: Crazy Pedro’s (Bridge Street and Northern Quarter locations)
When: Friday 15th March – Monday 17th March
Entry: £30 per person

O’Neill’s St. Paddy’s Day Party

O’Neill’s is known for its no-holds-barred Paddy’s Day parties, and this year’s celebration will include live music, DJs, and special drinks offers. Highlights include £2 pints of Guinness, two-for-one Baby Guinness shots, and even 30p Tayto crisps with every drink.

Where: O’Neill’s, The Printworks
When: Monday 17th March, from 12:00 pm until late
Entry: Free

Exploring Manchester’s Little Ireland – Guided Walk

Explore the story of Manchester’s relationship with Ireland with this expert-led walking tour. Discover where Manchester’s first Irish migrants settled, and hear about the hardships and triumphs of the Irish community that helped shape the city. Perfect for history lovers and anyone wanting a deeper understanding of Manchester’s Irish connections.

Where: Starts at HOME Manchester, Tony Wilson Place
When: Saturday 15th March, 2:00 pm – 3:45pm
Entry: £12 per person