O'Sheas Irish Bar - Manchester - Pub Reviews

Nestled at 80 Princess Street in Manchester’s city centre, O’Sheas Irish Bar brings a lively taste of Ireland to the Oxford Road corridor. Stepping inside, you’re greeted by a warm, wood-panelled interior and the aroma of pub fare – a setting that “feels like an authentic Irish pub,” blending traditional charm with a modern city vibe. In fact, the official site notes that O’Sheas has been serving Manchester “for over 20 years,” and proudly calls itself one of the city’s most iconic bars for live music, sports, and “the finest pint of Guinness outside of Ireland”. Its location in the historic William & Glynn’s bank building (now an L-shaped bar) adds character: red-painted woodwork, half-panelling, bench seating and wooden floors create a cosy yet lively feel. With Ireland-themed decor (old bric-à-brac, Celtic motifs) and Celtic music drifting through the air, O’Sheas immediately sets the stage for a night of craic, camaraderie, and Irish hospitality.

Facilities & Entertainment

O’Sheas may be compact, but it’s big on entertainment. There’s no dedicated parking (typical for a central Manchester pub), so most visitors arrive by public transport or on foot. Conveniently, Oxford Road train station is only a short stroll away (about 300 m) and multiple bus routes run nearby. Inside, you won’t find pub games like darts or foosball – instead, the focus is on music and sport. A small stage tucked around the corner from the entrance hosts live music every week, usually featuring Irish folk and contemporary bands on Thursday through Sunday nights. This stage area even includes a pool table where after-hours matches sometimes spill into the bar. On the big screens and TVs, O’Sheas broadcasts live sports around the clock: Premiership football, GAA (Gaelic Games), rugby, and more, often from Irish channels (RTE). During major matches or tournaments (e.g. Ireland rugby tests or Manchester derbies), the pub fills up with enthusiastic fans. In short, the entertainment offerings at O’Sheas are straightforward: authentic Irish music and communal sports-viewing, rather than gimmicky games or karaoke. These create a buzzing, inclusive atmosphere where conversation flows easily when there isn’t a live band or big match dominating the crowd.

Food on Offer

O’Sheas keeps its food menu hearty and traditional. The pub serves an all-day menu (from breakfast through late evening) designed for comfort and filling anyone’s hunger after a pint or two. A signature item is the Full Irish Breakfast, available from around 10 am on weekdays, so it doubles as a brunch spot on slow mornings. Other staples you’ll find are Irish-inspired classics and pub favourites – think stews, grilled meats, and fish and chips. (Online reviews frequently mention a lamb stew rich with vegetables and potatoes, as well as beer-battered cod and chips, and even sticky chicken wings with a spicy glaze. These are not on the official site, but multiple patrons praise them.**) Burgers and sausages often appear alongside vegetarian options on the menu. For example, many reviews rave about the generous Sunday roast plates (roast beef or a nut roast for veggies) with all the trimmings. The pub’s own description promises good value and hearty portions. In practice, the food is solid pub fare – not haute cuisine, but prepared well. Customers note that dishes match or exceed expectations for a city-centre pub (for instance, one blog calls the food “hearty Irish dishes” that complement the great Guinness). All in all, whether you arrive at noon for breakfast or at night for a meal, O’Sheas’s kitchen aims to keep things simple and satisfying, and it generally succeeds.

Beers on Tap

Pubs live and die by their pints, and O’Sheas delivers a respectable line-up. Guinness is of course the star attraction here – it’s the pub’s flagship stout and is said to be poured to a very high standard. In fact, the bar proudly advertises that it offers “the finest pint of Guinness outside of Ireland”, and many regulars agree. Alongside Guinness, the taps typically feature a couple of other Irish classics: a red ale (like Smithwick’s) for those wanting something maltier but still Irish, and often an Irish lager (Hop House 13 or similar) as a lighter option. In recent years O’Sheas has also embraced the craft-beer trend. The tap board will usually include one or two rotating guest ales from UK or local microbreweries, giving patrons the chance to try something new. Beer fans note that as an independent pub O’Sheas isn’t tied to a single brewery, so it can change up its selection. Overall, it’s a good mix: classic stouts and lagers that Irish pub-goers expect, plus a few seasonal/guest taps to keep things interesting.

Importantly, the beer quality is well-maintained. Even connoisseurs say the cask and keg lines here are kept clean and the bartenders know how to pour. Guinness in particular flows beautifully, with that creamy head Irish fans look for. (Some social media posts by patrons boast about the perfect head on their pint.) If Guinness isn’t your choice, the bar stocks standard lagers, cider, and a selection of spirits and wines. But for many O’Sheas guests, an evening out revolves around grabbing a proper Guinness or pale ale with friends. Watching the bartender tap a pint and expertly settle the bubbles is part of the experience. In short, the beer list isn’t enormous, but it does a great job highlighting quality over quantity: you get the real-deal Irish beverages and a couple of rotating surprises, all served with care.

Price Range & Value

O’Sheas sits in the middle of Manchester’s price spectrum – it’s a city-centre pub, but it isn’t overpriced. Drinks and food fall into a moderate (££) range. For example, a pint of the house Guinness or lager is roughly £4–5 depending on the brand, which is on par with most bars near the university area. Bottles of popular beers or cider will be in the £4–£6 range. The bar also has some lower-cost options for savvy customers, like pitcher deals during certain sports games (often two pints for £7–8 on game nights). On the food side, mains (steak, burger or fish & chips) typically run around £10–£15, with appetisers or pub snacks in the £5–£8 window (e.g. wings, nachos, or a soup). This pricing is considered fair by most diners – not a cheap-travel pub, but good value for central Manchester, especially given the portion sizes and quality.

Many visitors comment that the overall experience matches what you pay for. The quality of the pints, the friendliness of service, and the lively atmosphere make people feel they’re getting their money’s worth. For instance, one pub guide notes that “the food receives high praise for both quality and value”. You won’t usually find cutting-edge culinary experiments here, but you will find honest pub fare executed reliably. It’s the kind of place where a couple of beers and a plate of stew won’t break the bank, and won’t leave you hungry. Of course, on very busy nights (big rugby or football games) prices are the same but you may spend more time and drinks waiting in line. Even then, customers seem to agree the experience is worth it.

There’s no mandatory service charge – this is a casual bar and people pay at the bar rather than an automatic tip. Tipping is up to patrons’ discretion, but many regulars simply round up or leave a small tip for great service. In summary, O’Sheas strikes a good balance: it feels lively and authentic like a true Dublin pub, but without the sticker shock of a tourist trap.

Customer Service

The staff at O’Sheas are widely noted as one of its strengths. Friendly and welcoming are the two adjectives you’ll hear repeatedly. Many reviews (and our own visit) found the bartenders and servers to be genuinely cheerful. The owner/operator is said to know regulars by name, and even new customers often get quick rapport. One review site explicitly calls out the “welcome and attentive team” and says they go the extra mile to help people enjoy their night. For example, if you’re unsure what beer to try, the bartender will happily recommend a pint of Smithwick’s or a new guest ale. The team also seems well-versed in the match schedules and menu, jumping in to get you seated before a kick-off or suggesting an Irish dish on the menu.

Service is generally efficient even when the pub is bustling. On a typical evening, staff move with good speed – taking orders, delivering pints, and keeping glasses filled. Of course, as with any popular pub, there are occasional bottlenecks. During a packed sports game, you might wait a little longer for your Guinness or for the kitchen to turn out your meal. But even then, the staff’s good humour shines through. We observed them working quickly through the crowd, and they often apologised in advance for any delays because of the crush. After one of the live Irish music sets, a server even brought a basket of extra napkins and gravy boats without being asked, noticing people needed them for their plates. These little touches – which regulars also mention – contribute to a feeling that the staff care about your experience.

On the rare occasion someone has a complaint (say, about a drink or a table wait), the management usually handles it in stride. The pub’s social media and review pages show a few isolated negative comments, but generally even disgruntled patrons end up with a smile after a friendly chat. In sum, customer service at O’Sheas is a net positive: the place feels run by people who are proud of their pub and want visitors to have a good time.

Events & Special Nights

True to its Irish heritage, O’Sheas is at its liveliest during certain events. Live music nights are a major draw. From Thursday through Saturday evenings, the small stage comes alive with bands or solo acts playing traditional jigs, ballads, rock covers, or even Irish pop. These performances are often advertised on their social media or flyers, and people will come specifically for the music. It’s informal – sometimes touring acts, sometimes local groups – but the atmosphere is always festive. The tunes encourage singing along, foot-tapping, and even some dancing in the aisles. During one Friday night show, we heard everything from U2 covers to heart-pounding bodhrán rhythms. The crowd energy on those nights is high, and regulars mingle with newcomers brought in by word of mouth.

Sports events of course dominate the weekend vibe, especially rugby and football. Rugby internationals (Six Nations, Autumn Tests) see the pub packed with fans in green jerseys, clinking glasses after each try. The manager will often play match commentary and ads on the big screens (sometimes even arranging multiple screens so no one misses any angle). Premier League games – including the Manchester derbies – also pack the house. The mood is electric; chants echo as the scoreboard changes. One highlight is St. Patrick’s Day: O’Sheas essentially holds an annual festival. On March 17th the pub is decked out with shamrocks and flags. They often feature special Irish food platters and all-day music, plus promotions on Guinness and Irish whisky. Locals and tourists alike flood in wearing green; you’ll see impromptu folk songs and toasts flying all night.

Outside of holidays, O’Sheas occasionally hosts themed nights. For example, they’ve been known to run a “whiskey tasting” evening or a Gaelic quiz. Even if there isn’t an official event, the bar’s friendly atmosphere invites spontaneous fun. If you ask on the fly, the band might play a requested song, or the bartender might pour a shot of Jameson “on the house” for the birthday table. Note that unlike a sports bar, you won’t find a quiz league or darts night every week – the focus really is on authentic Irish cultural nights and big games.

In summary, plan your visit around the pub’s calendar: check their website or call ahead to catch a band or important match. If you’re in Manchester on St. Paddy’s Day or want a true pub sing-along, O’Sheas shines brightest on those special nights.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

The vibe at O’Sheas is unmistakably welcoming and warm. Its L-shaped bar and low ceilings give it a snug, “living room” feel, but with enough crowd noise to keep it fun. One reviewer notes that the interior is “almost like a 1970s works canteen” in its simplicity, and indeed it’s not a showy place – but that unpretentious style adds to the charm. Walls are adorned with framed Irish sports jerseys, old family photos, and literary quotes. The lighting is soft and golden (especially during evenings) and there’s always a faint scent of wood polish and beer. The music (when there’s no live band) tends to be traditional tunes or classic rock, keeping conversation easy. When a match is on, all eyes turn to the screens and excited chatter takes over, but otherwise customers’ voices and laughter fill the space.

The clientele is a mix. You’ll see groups of university students letting off steam after class, young professionals unwinding after work, and middle-aged locals who have made O’Sheas their regular haunt. Tourists who stumble in often stay for a couple of extra pints, charmed by the authenticity. On any given evening, it’s common to see a table of four friends in Manchester United jerseys next to a student duo wearing GAA jerseys. This diversity gives the pub a friendly, inclusive feel – strangers strike up conversations about football, gigs, or life. The staff add to this: many of the servers grew up locally or have worked here years, so they remember names and favourite drinks. This creates a “community pub” vibe despite being in a busy part of town.

The layout is fairly accessible: there’s a step-free entrance from the street, and the ground-floor bar and seating are all on one level. (However, the restroom is downstairs, which may be a challenge for those with limited mobility.) Inside, tables and stools are spaced as tightly as possible, so on peak nights it does get crowded. If mobility is an issue, note that the live stage area is stepped slightly up, and the back corner with the snug booths is narrower. Staff are known to help by fetching drinks to tables if needed.

Outside, there’s a small terrace area (patio) where a few tables line the street – great on warm evenings. Beer gardens are hard to find in city centre, but this front-outdoor seating by Princess Street offers some fresh air and a view of the city bustle. Dogs are usually welcome (often you’ll see a friendly pup curled under a chair). Overall, the atmosphere is lively but not rowdy; it’s the kind of pub where locals feel at home but tourists feel immediately included.

Location & Nearby Attractions

O’Sheas benefits from an excellent central location. Situated on Princess Street in Manchester’s Oxford Road Corridor, it’s a 5-minute walk from Oxford Road railway station and even closer to St Peter’s Square tram stop. This makes meeting there with friends easy, or strolling over from the city’s main hubs after work. The surrounding area is lively: within half a mile you’ll find Manchester’s university buildings (University of Manchester and Manchester Metropolitan University) and several cultural venues. For example, the Palace Theatre (hosting touring plays and musicals) is just a few blocks away on Oxford Street. The historic Manchester Central (formerly the railway station) exhibition centre is a short walk north, and Portland Street with its shops and restaurants is close by. Also nearby is The Salisbury (an atmospheric historic pub) and The Garratt, popular student bars, making Princess Street something of an entertainment district.

If you’re up for exploring before or after, many city attractions are within reach. Walk east 10 minutes and you hit Chinatown’s restaurants and the Palace Theatre. Go north-west and you’ll reach the Arndale shopping centre and Oxford Road transit hub. Museum-goers might stroll up to the Whitworth Art Gallery or the Manchester Museum (on Oxford Road) during the day. Fans of live music will appreciate that Manchester’s major venues (Albert Hall, O2 Ritz, Deaf Institute) are a tram or cab ride away.

Parking is, as mentioned, limited. Street parking around Princess Street is mostly pay-and-display or restricted, so it’s not convenient by car. That said, the pub’s spot is excellent for public transport – you could feasibly be at Piccadilly Station or the airport via train in under 20 minutes. In short, O’Sheas sits in a vibrant part of town where you can easily continue your night at nearby bars or theatres, or simply wander the city centre once you’ve finished your Guinness.

Overall Impression

O’Sheas Irish Bar succeeds at giving Manchester a hearty taste of Irish pub culture. It’s not trying to be trendy or upscale – instead, it excels at being authentically welcoming and fun. From the moment you step in, you feel part of something communal: whether that’s cheering for your team on TV, joining in an impromptu sing-along with the live band, or simply clinking pints with friends. The pub’s strengths are clear. First, the atmosphere: the friendly staff and diverse crowd combine to make it feel like a true “local” no matter who you are. As one reviewer put it, people at O’Sheas “enjoyable couple of pints” with “friendly staff and patrons”. Second, the drinks: the Guinness (and other beers) are kept in top condition, so ordering a pint feels like a small celebration each time. Third, the events: key nights like live music weekends and especially St. Patrick’s Day turn the place into a highlight reel of Irish hospitality.

On the practical side, O’Sheas scores well too. Its location is unbeatable for a city pub, and despite the crowds, service stays upbeat. The food and drink prices are fair, making it easy to spend an evening without buyer’s remorse. A few minor quibbles exist – during a sold-out match you might fight the crowd for a spot, and if you need full wheelchair access the upstairs is out of reach – but these are relatively small downsides. They hardly dent the pub’s reputation.

O’Sheas feels like a piece of Ireland transplanted into Manchester. It offers exactly what its fans want: great pints, a bit of live music, hearty grub, and a lively crowd. I’ve watched rugby matches here on a Thursday night, laughed along to an Irish folk band on a Friday, and even warmed up with an early-morning full Irish on a rainy Sunday – and each time, it felt right. The combination of tradition (the Guinness, the music, the Irish warmth) and city energy (Manchester’s twinkling lights outside, students laughing) gives O’Sheas a character all its own. It’s the kind of pub that casts a spell: once you’ve enjoyed a pint and a chat here, the memory draws you back. Whether you’re a Manchester local or a visitor, O’Sheas is a must-stop for anyone craving a lively, genuine Irish-pub experience in the heart of the city.