Thursday 11th March - Sunday 14th March

The Irish Market

Albert Square

Albert Square once again brought a taste of Ireland to the doorstep of city residents with one of the busiest and most popular features of the Festival.

The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Audrey Jones; The Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council and members of the Manchester Irish Festival Committee officially opened the market, celebrating the ninth successful year in Manchester with a selection of exciting new stalls and popular favourites.

The Lord Mayor of Manchester, Councillor Audrey Jones said:

“I am delighted to welcome the Irish Market to Albert Square. It brings a fabulous array of traders from almost every county in Ireland to sell their crafts and produce in Manchester City Centre”

Councillor Kath Robinson, Deputy Leader of Manchester City Council said:

“The Irish Festival Market is a firm favourite among visitors and residents in Manchester. It was the first of its kind in the UK and has gone from strength to strength over the last nine years.

“Along with the spectacular European markets adorning the city at Christmas and the popular farmer’s market, bringing fresh, quality produce to the heart of the city, the Irish Festival market plays a vital role in establishing Manchester as one of the UK ‘s top destinations for speciality markets.

“We will welcome high profile delegates and media from the Labour Party Conference this weekend should they get the chance to come and sample some of the delights of the Irish Festival Market and enjoy the parade this Sunday.”

The market boasts a glorious selection of gifts and produce from all over Ireland, some of the traders have been coming every year with their unique range of quality Irish gifts and new traders are welcomed every year so there is always something different to see.

Hand crafted ceramics and Celtic jewellery are always popular, along with traditional Irish produce such as home baked soda bread, savoury pies and cakes; cheeses, fudge and truffles, bringing a taste of Ireland to the cobbles of Albert Square.

Sean O’Connell, who sells Irish Coats of arms and plaques of traditional Irish names and their meanings, says:

“I always look forward to coming to the Irish Festival market, its very popular with shoppers and the atmosphere in Manchester is terrific.“

Providing a much needed respite from a busy day of shopping is the Pantry Irish Festival Café situated inside the Town Hall, where Manchester Fayre will be serving a traditional range of Irish Foods.

A highlight of the market was the Budweiser beer tent where shoppers and traders could relax and enjoy the Craic, providing a welcome venue for live Irish bands, lunchtime tipples and early evening frivolities.