Biddy Mulligans is one of Edinburgh's most popular Irish pubs, sitting in the heart of the historic Grassmarket, a stone's throw from Edinburgh Castle, and world-renowned for its authentic Irish atmosphere and live music every single night. If you are a student who wants to live near the Grassmarket and the Old Town's best nightlife, browse Student Accommodation in Edinburgh for central options, then read on for what makes Biddy's a must-visit. This guide covers the pub, its live music, The Wee Pub next door (Scotland's smallest), the food, and its Grassmarket location.
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Biddy Mulligans at a glance
| Item | Details |
| Name | Biddy Mulligans |
| Address | 94-96 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JR |
| Type | Authentic Irish pub |
| Known for | Live music every night, lively atmosphere, live sport |
| Next door | "The Wee Pub", Scotland's smallest pub |
| Also offers | "The Grocery Store" with Irish products |
| Location | Historic Grassmarket, near Edinburgh Castle and the Royal Mile |
Biddy Mulligans: the Grassmarket's Irish pub
Situated in the heart of the historic Grassmarket, Biddy Mulligans has become world-renowned for bringing an authentic Irish atmosphere to Edinburgh. It is well known for its lively, welcoming feel, with rip-roaring live music from diverse local bands every single night of the week, and it is a prime spot to watch live sport, from rugby and GAA to football, on the big screens. A stone's throw from Edinburgh Castle and close to the Royal Mile, it is a firm favourite with locals, students and visitors alike. My tip: Biddy's is at its best in the evening when the live music is on, arrive early on weekends and match days, as it is one of the busiest and liveliest pubs in the Grassmarket.
The Wee Pub: Scotland's smallest pub
One of Biddy Mulligans' most charming features is "The Wee Pub" next door, which lays claim to being Scotland's smallest pub, with room for only about 20 people. Small in size but huge in atmosphere, it is the perfect snug for a cosy catch-up with friends, and it is a genuine novelty worth experiencing. Biddy's also runs "The Grocery Store", bringing Irish products like Taytos and Barry's Tea to the capital, so you can grab a pint and pick up a taste of home. My tip: squeeze into The Wee Pub at least once for the experience, it is a real Edinburgh curiosity and a great story to tell.
Food, drink and whiskey tasting
Open seven days a week, Biddy Mulligans serves a menu of small plates, a full Irish breakfast, loaded tater tots and sweet treats, all washable down with a perfectly poured pint. There is also an extensive list of classic cocktails, perfect-serve gin and tonics, and a wide selection of whiskeys, which you can sample at Biddy's whiskey tasting. The mix of hearty food, a strong drinks list and nightly entertainment makes it a genuine all-rounder. My tip: pair the live music with a whiskey tasting for a full Scottish-Irish evening, and the loaded tater tots are a popular sharing option.
Location and accessibility
Biddy Mulligans is at 94-96 Grassmarket (EH1 2JR), one of Edinburgh's most atmospheric squares, ringed with historic pubs beneath the shadow of Edinburgh Castle and close to the Royal Mile and the University of Edinburgh's central campus. The pub has an outdoor terrace that spills onto the pavement in summer, and there is a quiet side entrance via the hotel next door offering some of the best wheelchair access on the Grassmarket, with an accessible toilet. My tip: the Grassmarket is within easy walking distance of the Old Town's student areas, so Biddy's is an easy night out if you live centrally. See our guide to 200 Cowgate, a short walk away.
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FAQs
Q: Where is Biddy Mulligans in Edinburgh?
A: Biddy Mulligans is at 94-96 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2JR, in the heart of the historic Grassmarket, a stone's throw from Edinburgh Castle and close to the Royal Mile and the University of Edinburgh's central campus.
Q: What is Biddy Mulligans known for?
A: It is world-renowned for its authentic Irish atmosphere, live music every single night from local bands, a lively feel, and showing live sport including rugby, GAA and football on big screens.
Q: What is The Wee Pub at Biddy Mulligans?
A: The Wee Pub, next door to Biddy Mulligans, claims to be Scotland's smallest pub, with room for only about 20 people. It is a cosy snug, small in size but huge in atmosphere.
Q: Does Biddy Mulligans have live music?
A: Yes, Biddy Mulligans has live music every single night of the week from diverse local bands, which is one of its main draws, alongside live sport on the big screens.
Q: What food does Biddy Mulligans serve?
A: Open seven days a week, it serves small plates, a full Irish breakfast, loaded tater tots and sweet treats, plus classic cocktails, gin and tonics and an extensive whiskey selection with whiskey tasting available.
Q: Is Biddy Mulligans good for students?
A: Yes, its lively atmosphere, nightly live music, central Grassmarket location and welcoming feel make it a firm student favourite, and it is within easy walking distance of the Old Town's student areas.