Manchester’s favourite Irish pub is celebrating the arrival of Murphy’s with a day & night of free pints, live music and unbeatable craic
Mulligans, Manchester’s oldest and most iconic Irish pub, has announced it will be giving away 1,989 pints of Murphy’s Irish Stout* to celebrate the latest addition to its exceptional draught beer line-up.
The unmissable one-day-only giveaway will take place on Thursday 8th May, from 11am to 1am, marking the year 1989, when Murphy’s was first introduced on draught in the UK. The giveaway is open to all punters on a first-come, first-served basis, with one free pint per person available from opening to close – but be quick, because once the 1,989 pints are gone, they’re gone.
Originating from Cork, Murphy’s Irish Stout is known for its smooth, mellow profile with subtle notes of caramel and malt. It joins Guinness as the second stout on draught at Mulligans, complementing the pub’s iconic draught beer taps. With Mulligans already famed for pouring ‘the best Guinness outside of Ireland’, drinkers can expect every pint of Murphy’s to be just as expertly poured.
Those heading to Mulligans for their free pint on the 8th can expect more than just a top-quality stout as the venue’s famously lively entertainment will be in full swing all day long.
Downstairs, the atmosphere will be set with upbeat, foot-stomping Irish folk music from 2pm, featuring performances from El Rey, Two of Us, and Marie and the Moon. Meanwhile, upstairs, local bands The Rock and Soulers will take to the mezzanine stage from 4pm until close, playing crowd-pleasing indie and pub classics to keep the party going strong.
Pádraig Brady, owner of Mulligans, said: “Murphy’s has been a long time coming and we’re excited to finally be serving it on draught. The idea behind this giveaway isn’t just to introduce the stout and celebrate its history, but to give people another reason to enjoy a proper Thursday day and night at Mulligans with our extensive live entertainment offering.”
The recently renovated upstairs space – complete with vaulted timber-beamed ceilings, a mezzanine-level stage, and two new bars – now boasts even more room for dancing and pint-drinking, thanks to a further mezzanine extension in recent weeks.
Whether dropping by for an afternoon pint, unwinding with post-work drinks or settling in for a full Thursday evening session, visitors will be given a token on entry to enjoy a perfectly poured pint of Murphy’s on the house.
The Murphy’s giveaway will take place on Thursday 8th May from 11am to 1am at Mulligans, 12 Southgate, Manchester M3 2RB. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to claim their free pint and soak up the warm, lively atmosphere that Mulligans is famous for.
-ENDS-
For additional information, contact bethan@scoopagency.co.uk
About Mulligans:
Nestled in Deansgate, with a history spanning more than 170 years, Mulligans is Manchester’s oldest Irish pub and a true institution in the city’s vibrant drinking scene. Originally known as the Waggon and Horses, the pub held that name for most of its existence before being renamed in the 1990s. Since 2013, under the ownership of Pádraig Brady, Mulligans has become renowned for pouring ‘the best pint of Guinness outside of Ireland’, building on its long-standing tradition of quality, warm hospitality, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
In January 2025, it was recognised as the Best Pub in Manchester at the Manchester Food and Drink Awards, a testament to its enduring appeal, daily live music, sports screenings, and deep connection to Irish culture. Whether guests are looking for a perfectly poured Guinness, the charm of traditional Irish tunes downstairs, or the electric energy of a live band in the newly expanded upstairs space, Mulligans offers an authentic taste of Ireland in the heart of Manchester.
For more information, visit http://www.mulligansofdeansgate.com/
T&Cs
*One free pint of Murphy’s Irish Stout per person. Tokens will be issued on entry and are redeemable only for a pint of Murphy’s Irish Stout. First-come, first-served while stocks last (1,989 pints total). Offer valid on Thursday 8th May 2025, from 11am to 1am at Mulligans, 12 Southgate, Manchester. Over 18s only. Management reserves the right to refuse service.
High-res images of Mulligans and Murphy’s here
For additional information, contact bethan@scoopagency.co.uk
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