Paddy McNaughton's is an Irish bar and pub in central Christchurch, described as bringing a touch of old Ireland to the city. The pub is named after Patrick Norton, a young Irishman transported to New South Wales in 1810 after a theft conviction, who sailed seven months from Ireland on the convict ship Providence before escaping to become a sailor and whaler. He eventually settled at Te Awaiti in the Marlborough Sounds, living and working alongside Māori before the Treaty of Waitangi, and married Makareta Tangitu of Ngāi Tahu. Legend has it that in 1850 he wandered into Old Christchurch and crossed paths with John Shand, who swore he'd never lease his building to "the colourful character" — a story the pub now honours with the name hanging above its door.
Paddy's runs a packed weekly programme: Games Night on Mondays, a Traditional Irish Session from 7pm on Tuesdays (with a Pop Up Gaeltacht on the first Tuesday of every month), Quiz Night from 6:30pm on Wednesdays, Live Music from 8pm on Thursdays, a Friday combination of BBQ, Chase the Ace and live music from 9pm, more live music on Saturdays from 9pm, and Sport Sundays with sport on all day and $12 Guinness all day. The pub also hosts ticketed Whiskey Tasting experiences.
The pub is a dog-friendly establishment that does not take reservations — it's first come, first served. Paddy McNaughton's is part of the Inkster Company group of Christchurch venues, alongside sister pubs O.G.B, The Church Pub, Austin Club, Civil & Naval, Fox & Ferret, The Prebbleton Hotel, and Fanny's Pub.