When Irish eyes are smiling

Jenna Campbell visits The Irish World Heritage Centre where St Patrick's Day is 'like Christmas'

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IT'S not long before St Patrick's Day celebrations commence and, in a corner of Cheetham Hill, preparations are well under way.

Along Irish Town Way you'll find The Irish World Heritage Centre, a community hub that offers its visitors a little piece of home and space to keep their culture alive.

Next year, it will be 40 years since the centre first opened its doors.

The original site was on the corner of Queens Road and Cheetham Hill Road and was opened by then Irish Foreign Minister Peter Barry.

A major hub for the Irish community in the North West of England, it is run by the Irish Diaspora Foundation charity and through a board of trustees focuses on promoting Irish culture and supporting the wider community.

When the last census was conducted in 2021, it was estimated that more than 35% of the population in Greater Manchester has Irish heritage.

As well as having its own event spaces and rooms for hire, the Irish centre boasts the The Wild Geese Bar with views of Manchester, as well as a shop selling popular Irish brands and cafe serving proper Irish breakfasts and homely Sunday dinners.