Travellers descend on popular Manchester pub to protest against decision to refuse entry

Jack Walters
Sat, 25 Apr 2026 21:06:28 +0000

Irish travellers have gathered in Manchester city centre to demonstrate against what they claim was discriminatory treatment at a well-known pub.

The protest followed the emergence of mobile phone footage that appeared to capture security staff at Mulligans Irish pub turning away a group of young men due to their traveller background.

Demonstrators assembled this afternoon to voice their anger over the incident, which has sparked significant attention on social media.

The video, which has been widely shared online, shows an apparent confrontation between door staff and the group of men outside the Deansgate venue.

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Television personality Paddy Doherty, himself a prominent figure within Manchester's travelling community, joined those taking part in the demonstration.

In the footage, a security guard can be heard telling the group that the decision to refuse them entry was not his own, stating: "This is not my decision.

During the exchange, one of the young men directly challenges the doorman, saying: "Basically, what you're saying is travellers aren't allowed in Mulligans pub."

The security staff member responds by explaining that the pub's manager would not come out to speak with them.

He then confirms the position being taken by the venue, adding: "That's what they're saying."

The video captures the moment when the group realises they are being denied access to the establishment

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The demonstration began at St Peter's Square before marchers made their way to the pub's location on Southgate, just off Deansgate.

Following the gathering outside Mulligans, protest organiser Tommy Joyce expressed his frustration with the outcome.

Speaking to reporters after the demonstration, he said: "We didn't get the answers we wanted. Someone's got to be held accountable for the discrimination showed at that bar today."

The protest continued outside the venue, with Joyce and several other demonstrators appearing to confront a member of the pub's staff.

Police officers were present at the scene as the situation unfolded.

Mulligans has stated it is conducting an internal review of the incident that prompted the protest.

A spokesman for the pub said earlier this week: "Mulligans welcomes customers of all backgrounds.

"As a pub proud of its own Irish heritage, the suggestion that we would discriminate against any community is something we take particularly seriously."

The venue insisted it has numerous valued customers from the traveller community and operates no blanket policy barring entry based on ethnicity or background.

The spokesman explained that the pub maintains a strict door policy to ensure a safe environment.

They also noted that entry is only refused to specific individuals who have previously caused problems on the premises.

Mulligans confirmed it has already been in direct contact with community members and remains committed to ongoing dialogue.