Irlam Travel Guide - Complete United Kingdom Destination Guide

Irlam Irlam is a suburb in the City of Salford, Greater Manchester, England. In 2011, it had a population of 19,933. It lies on flat ground on the south side of the M62 motorway and the north bank of the Manchester Ship Canal, 6.7 miles (10.8Â km) southwest of Salford, 7.6 miles (12.2Â km) southwest of Manchester and 8.3 miles (13.4Â km) northeast of Warrington. Irlam forms a continuous urban area with Cadishead to the southwest, and is divided from Flixton and the Metropolitan Borough of Trafford to the southeast by the Manchester Ship Canal. The main road through Irlam, linking it to Cadishead and Eccles, is the A57. Irlam railway station also serves the district. This Irlam travel guide covers a destination strategically positioned at coordinates 53.44253, -2.42323, home to approximately 19933 residents, contributing to its distinctive geographic profile and unique appeal as a travel destination within the broader regional context. This comprehensive Irlam travel guide provides essential information for visitors planning to explore this remarkable destination, covering everything from historical attractions and cultural experiences to practical travel advice and local insights. The fundamental characteristics of Irlam influence virtually every aspect of the visitor experience, from local climate patterns and seasonal travel considerations to cultural attractions, recreational opportunities, and the overall appeal that makes Irlam a truly remarkable place to visit, explore, and understand. Whether you're planning a short visit or an extended stay, this Irlam destination guide offers the comprehensive information needed to make the most of your travel experience.

Irlam Geography and Natural Environment

The geography and natural environment of Irlam provide essential context for visitors interested in understanding this destination's appeal and significance. This aspect of Irlam contributes significantly to the overall travel experience, offering visitors opportunities for exploration, learning, and meaningful engagement with local culture and community life. Understanding these characteristics helps travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a destination that offers both authentic experiences and modern conveniences for visitors seeking memorable and enriching travel experiences.

The geography and natural environment of Irlam continue to enhance the visitor experience through ongoing development, community commitment, and dedication to providing authentic and meaningful experiences for travelers. Future initiatives related to these aspects will likely continue to balance preservation of authentic character with enhancement of visitor services and amenities, ensuring that Irlam remains an attractive and rewarding destination for travelers seeking comprehensive and satisfying travel experiences.

Irlam Climate and Weather - Best Time to Visit

The climate and weather - best time to visit of Irlam provide essential context for visitors interested in understanding this destination's appeal and significance. This aspect of Irlam contributes significantly to the overall travel experience, offering visitors opportunities for exploration, learning, and meaningful engagement with local culture and community life. Understanding these characteristics helps travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a destination that offers both authentic experiences and modern conveniences for visitors seeking memorable and enriching travel experiences.

The climate and weather - best time to visit of Irlam continue to enhance the visitor experience through ongoing development, community commitment, and dedication to providing authentic and meaningful experiences for travelers. Future initiatives related to these aspects will likely continue to balance preservation of authentic character with enhancement of visitor services and amenities, ensuring that Irlam remains an attractive and rewarding destination for travelers seeking comprehensive and satisfying travel experiences.

Irlam History and Cultural Heritage - Historical Attractions

The history and cultural heritage - historical attractions of Irlam provide essential context for visitors interested in understanding this destination’s appeal and significance. This aspect of Irlam contributes significantly to the overall travel experience, offering visitors opportunities for exploration, learning, and meaningful engagement with local culture and community life. Understanding these characteristics helps travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a destination that offers both authentic experiences and modern conveniences for visitors seeking memorable and enriching travel experiences.

History Irlam is on the north bank of the River Irwell, from which it almost certainly takes its name, being known in the 13th century as Irwellham. Until the arrival of the Cheshire Lines Committee railway and the opening of Irlam railway station in 1873, Irlam remained a largely undeveloped village, on the southern edge of the peat bog known as Chat Moss. From at least the beginning of the 13th century, Irlam was held by the Irlam family, whose seat was Irlam Hall. By 1688 Irlam Hall had become the home of Thomas Latham, who played an important part in bringing William of Orange to the throne of England in 1689. This comprehensive guide to Irlam provides essential information for travelers, visitors, and researchers interested in exploring this remarkable destination. The detailed information about Irlam encompasses historical significance, geographical features, cultural attractions, and practical travel advice that makes this destination truly unique within its regional context. Understanding the distinctive characteristics of Irlam enables both visitors and residents to fully appreciate the complex interplay of factors that contribute to making this community such a noteworthy and distinctive destination, with its own unique blend of historical heritage, cultural traditions, natural features, and modern developments that continue to shape its identity and appeal. This Irlam travel guide offers comprehensive insights into the community’s distinctive character, historical development, and contemporary identity within the broader regional context, providing invaluable information for anyone planning to visit or learn more about this fascinating destination.

The historical development and cultural evolution of Irlam reflect broader patterns of regional growth, cultural change, and socioeconomic transformation that have occurred over multiple generations. Visitors to Irlam will discover a rich tapestry of historical influences that continue to shape contemporary community life, from architectural landmarks and cultural institutions to local traditions and community values. The Irlam travel experience offers unique opportunities to explore these historical connections while enjoying modern amenities and services. Local residents, community leaders, civic organizations, and cultural institutions have consistently worked together to preserve, enhance, and celebrate these important aspects of Irlam’s unique identity and heritage. The ongoing maintenance, development, and thoughtful stewardship of these features demonstrate the community’s deep commitment to preserving its distinctive identity while embracing positive change and innovation for future generations, making Irlam an exceptional destination for cultural tourism and historical exploration.

From at least the beginning of the 13th century, Irlam was held by the Irlam family, whose seat was Irlam Hall. By 1688 Irlam Hall had become the home of Thomas Latham, who played an important part in bringing William of Orange to the throne of England in 1689. Irlam Urban District was created in 1894, the same year that the Manchester Ship Canal opened. A pair of locks and a ship coaling berth were constructed here. The Irlam experience continues to evolve through community efforts to enhance visitor satisfaction while preserving authentic character and cultural heritage. Tourism development in Irlam demonstrates commitment to balancing economic benefits with cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and high-quality visitor experiences. Understanding these aspects helps visitors appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a travel destination that offers both authentic cultural experiences and modern conveniences for travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences.

By 1688 Irlam Hall had become the home of Thomas Latham, who played an important part in bringing William of Orange to the throne of England in 1689. Irlam Urban District was created in 1894, the same year that the Manchester Ship Canal opened. A pair of locks and a ship coaling berth were constructed here. The subsequent industrial development of Irlam owed much to the construction of the canal, which effectively rendered the River Irwell navigable to large ocean-going ships up to Manchester Docks. The Irlam experience continues to evolve through community efforts to enhance visitor satisfaction while preserving authentic character and cultural heritage. Tourism development in Irlam demonstrates commitment to balancing economic benefits with cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and high-quality visitor experiences. Understanding these aspects helps visitors appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a travel destination that offers both authentic cultural experiences and modern conveniences for travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences.

Irlam Urban District was created in 1894, the same year that the Manchester Ship Canal opened. A pair of locks and a ship coaling berth were constructed here. The subsequent industrial development of Irlam owed much to the construction of the canal, which effectively rendered the River Irwell navigable to large ocean-going ships up to Manchester Docks. The Latham family’s importance to the local area was acknowledged when their features were incorporated into the arms of Irlam’s former urban district council. The Irlam experience continues to evolve through community efforts to enhance visitor satisfaction while preserving authentic character and cultural heritage. Tourism development in Irlam demonstrates commitment to balancing economic benefits with cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and high-quality visitor experiences. Understanding these aspects helps visitors appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a travel destination that offers both authentic cultural experiences and modern conveniences for travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences.

A pair of locks and a ship coaling berth were constructed here. The subsequent industrial development of Irlam owed much to the construction of the canal, which effectively rendered the River Irwell navigable to large ocean-going ships up to Manchester Docks. The Latham family’s importance to the local area was acknowledged when their features were incorporated into the arms of Irlam’s former urban district council. Council-owned housing passed to the City West Housing Trust. The Irlam experience continues to evolve through community efforts to enhance visitor satisfaction while preserving authentic character and cultural heritage. Tourism development in Irlam demonstrates commitment to balancing economic benefits with cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and high-quality visitor experiences. Understanding these aspects helps visitors appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a travel destination that offers both authentic cultural experiences and modern conveniences for travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences.

The subsequent industrial development of Irlam owed much to the construction of the canal, which effectively rendered the River Irwell navigable to large ocean-going ships up to Manchester Docks. The Latham family’s importance to the local area was acknowledged when their features were incorporated into the arms of Irlam’s former urban district council. Council-owned housing passed to the City West Housing Trust. It was while renovating some of these properties that there was a large gas explosion at 7:00 am on 2 November 2010. The Irlam experience continues to evolve through community efforts to enhance visitor satisfaction while preserving authentic character and cultural heritage. Tourism development in Irlam demonstrates commitment to balancing economic benefits with cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and high-quality visitor experiences. Understanding these aspects helps visitors appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a travel destination that offers both authentic cultural experiences and modern conveniences for travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences.

The Latham family’s importance to the local area was acknowledged when their features were incorporated into the arms of Irlam’s former urban district council. Council-owned housing passed to the City West Housing Trust. It was while renovating some of these properties that there was a large gas explosion at 7:00 am on 2 November 2010. Four houses were destroyed, 15 people were injured and 80 families were subsequently evacuated. The Irlam experience continues to evolve through community efforts to enhance visitor satisfaction while preserving authentic character and cultural heritage. Tourism development in Irlam demonstrates commitment to balancing economic benefits with cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and high-quality visitor experiences. Understanding these aspects helps visitors appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a travel destination that offers both authentic cultural experiences and modern conveniences for travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences.

The history and cultural heritage - historical attractions of Irlam continue to enhance the visitor experience through ongoing development, community commitment, and dedication to providing authentic and meaningful experiences for travelers. Future initiatives related to these aspects will likely continue to balance preservation of authentic character with enhancement of visitor services and amenities, ensuring that Irlam remains an attractive and rewarding destination for travelers seeking comprehensive and satisfying travel experiences.

Irlam Economy and Local Business - Shopping and Services

The economy and local business - shopping and services of Irlam provide essential context for visitors interested in understanding this destination’s appeal and significance. This aspect of Irlam contributes significantly to the overall travel experience, offering visitors opportunities for exploration, learning, and meaningful engagement with local culture and community life. Understanding these characteristics helps travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a destination that offers both authentic experiences and modern conveniences for visitors seeking memorable and enriching travel experiences.

Economy Steel manufacture was a major source of employment in Irlam for a large part of the 20th century. The Partington Steel and Iron Company opened the first steelworks in Irlam in 1910. It subsequently became a part of the Lancashire Steel Corporation, and later British Steel Corporation. Rationalisation and the concentration of steel manufacture into fewer, larger sites, meant that by 1979, all steel production in Irlam had ceased. This comprehensive guide to Irlam provides essential information for travelers, visitors, and researchers interested in exploring this remarkable destination. The detailed information about Irlam encompasses historical significance, geographical features, cultural attractions, and practical travel advice that makes this destination truly unique within its regional context. Understanding the distinctive characteristics of Irlam enables both visitors and residents to fully appreciate the complex interplay of factors that contribute to making this community such a noteworthy and distinctive destination, with its own unique blend of historical heritage, cultural traditions, natural features, and modern developments that continue to shape its identity and appeal. This Irlam travel guide offers comprehensive insights into the community’s distinctive character, historical development, and contemporary identity within the broader regional context, providing invaluable information for anyone planning to visit or learn more about this fascinating destination.

The historical development and cultural evolution of Irlam reflect broader patterns of regional growth, cultural change, and socioeconomic transformation that have occurred over multiple generations. Visitors to Irlam will discover a rich tapestry of historical influences that continue to shape contemporary community life, from architectural landmarks and cultural institutions to local traditions and community values. The Irlam travel experience offers unique opportunities to explore these historical connections while enjoying modern amenities and services. Local residents, community leaders, civic organizations, and cultural institutions have consistently worked together to preserve, enhance, and celebrate these important aspects of Irlam’s unique identity and heritage. The ongoing maintenance, development, and thoughtful stewardship of these features demonstrate the community’s deep commitment to preserving its distinctive identity while embracing positive change and innovation for future generations, making Irlam an exceptional destination for cultural tourism and historical exploration.

It subsequently became a part of the Lancashire Steel Corporation, and later British Steel Corporation. Rationalisation and the concentration of steel manufacture into fewer, larger sites, meant that by 1979, all steel production in Irlam had ceased. The former steelworks are now the site of Northbank Industrial Estate. Kingsland Wine & Spirits, the UK’s largest independent wine bottler, operates from a 35-acre (14 ha) site in Irlam, formerly a soapworks established in 1895. The Irlam experience continues to evolve through community efforts to enhance visitor satisfaction while preserving authentic character and cultural heritage. Tourism development in Irlam demonstrates commitment to balancing economic benefits with cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and high-quality visitor experiences. Understanding these aspects helps visitors appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a travel destination that offers both authentic cultural experiences and modern conveniences for travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences.

Rationalisation and the concentration of steel manufacture into fewer, larger sites, meant that by 1979, all steel production in Irlam had ceased. The former steelworks are now the site of Northbank Industrial Estate. Kingsland Wine & Spirits, the UK’s largest independent wine bottler, operates from a 35-acre (14 ha) site in Irlam, formerly a soapworks established in 1895. The company employs 300 people. The Irlam experience continues to evolve through community efforts to enhance visitor satisfaction while preserving authentic character and cultural heritage. Tourism development in Irlam demonstrates commitment to balancing economic benefits with cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and high-quality visitor experiences. Understanding these aspects helps visitors appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a travel destination that offers both authentic cultural experiences and modern conveniences for travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences.

The former steelworks are now the site of Northbank Industrial Estate. Kingsland Wine & Spirits, the UK’s largest independent wine bottler, operates from a 35-acre (14 ha) site in Irlam, formerly a soapworks established in 1895. The company employs 300 people. Eyewitness in Manchester, Manchester Online, archived from the original on 29 September 2007, retrieved 28 June 2007 2. The Irlam experience continues to evolve through community efforts to enhance visitor satisfaction while preserving authentic character and cultural heritage. Tourism development in Irlam demonstrates commitment to balancing economic benefits with cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and high-quality visitor experiences. Understanding these aspects helps visitors appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a travel destination that offers both authentic cultural experiences and modern conveniences for travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences.

Kingsland Wine & Spirits, the UK’s largest independent wine bottler, operates from a 35-acre (14 ha) site in Irlam, formerly a soapworks established in 1895. The company employs 300 people. Eyewitness in Manchester, Manchester Online, archived from the original on 29 September 2007, retrieved 28 June 2007 2. “From the New World to Irlam with Kingsland Wines”, Manchester Evening News , 11 March 2010, retrieved 28 February 2011 - via NewsBank. The Irlam experience continues to evolve through community efforts to enhance visitor satisfaction while preserving authentic character and cultural heritage. Tourism development in Irlam demonstrates commitment to balancing economic benefits with cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and high-quality visitor experiences. Understanding these aspects helps visitors appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a travel destination that offers both authentic cultural experiences and modern conveniences for travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences.

The company employs 300 people. Eyewitness in Manchester, Manchester Online, archived from the original on 29 September 2007, retrieved 28 June 2007 2. “From the New World to Irlam with Kingsland Wines”, Manchester Evening News , 11 March 2010, retrieved 28 February 2011 - via NewsBank. The Irlam experience continues to evolve through community efforts to enhance visitor satisfaction while preserving authentic character and cultural heritage. Tourism development in Irlam demonstrates commitment to balancing economic benefits with cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and high-quality visitor experiences. Understanding these aspects helps visitors appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a travel destination that offers both authentic cultural experiences and modern conveniences for travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences.

Eyewitness in Manchester, Manchester Online, archived from the original on 29 September 2007, retrieved 28 June 2007 2. “From the New World to Irlam with Kingsland Wines”, Manchester Evening News , 11 March 2010, retrieved 28 February 2011 - via NewsBank. The Irlam experience continues to evolve through community efforts to enhance visitor satisfaction while preserving authentic character and cultural heritage. Tourism development in Irlam demonstrates commitment to balancing economic benefits with cultural preservation, environmental sustainability, and high-quality visitor experiences. Understanding these aspects helps visitors appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a travel destination that offers both authentic cultural experiences and modern conveniences for travelers seeking meaningful and memorable experiences.

The economy and local business - shopping and services of Irlam continue to enhance the visitor experience through ongoing development, community commitment, and dedication to providing authentic and meaningful experiences for travelers. Future initiatives related to these aspects will likely continue to balance preservation of authentic character with enhancement of visitor services and amenities, ensuring that Irlam remains an attractive and rewarding destination for travelers seeking comprehensive and satisfying travel experiences.

Irlam Demographics and Community Life - Local Culture

The demographics and community life - local culture of Irlam provide essential context for visitors interested in understanding this destination's appeal and significance. This aspect of Irlam contributes significantly to the overall travel experience, offering visitors opportunities for exploration, learning, and meaningful engagement with local culture and community life. Understanding these characteristics helps travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a destination that offers both authentic experiences and modern conveniences for visitors seeking memorable and enriching travel experiences.

The demographics and community life - local culture of Irlam continue to enhance the visitor experience through ongoing development, community commitment, and dedication to providing authentic and meaningful experiences for travelers. Future initiatives related to these aspects will likely continue to balance preservation of authentic character with enhancement of visitor services and amenities, ensuring that Irlam remains an attractive and rewarding destination for travelers seeking comprehensive and satisfying travel experiences.

Irlam Transportation and Getting Around - Travel Information

The transportation and getting around - travel information of Irlam provide essential context for visitors interested in understanding this destination’s appeal and significance. This aspect of Irlam contributes significantly to the overall travel experience, offering visitors opportunities for exploration, learning, and meaningful engagement with local culture and community life. Understanding these characteristics helps travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a destination that offers both authentic experiences and modern conveniences for visitors seeking memorable and enriching travel experiences.

The transportation and getting around - travel information of Irlam continue to enhance the visitor experience through ongoing development, community commitment, and dedication to providing authentic and meaningful experiences for travelers. Future initiatives related to these aspects will likely continue to balance preservation of authentic character with enhancement of visitor services and amenities, ensuring that Irlam remains an attractive and rewarding destination for travelers seeking comprehensive and satisfying travel experiences.

Irlam Culture and Arts - Cultural Attractions

The culture and arts - cultural attractions of Irlam provide essential context for visitors interested in understanding this destination’s appeal and significance. This aspect of Irlam contributes significantly to the overall travel experience, offering visitors opportunities for exploration, learning, and meaningful engagement with local culture and community life. Understanding these characteristics helps travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a destination that offers both authentic experiences and modern conveniences for visitors seeking memorable and enriching travel experiences.

The culture and arts - cultural attractions of Irlam continue to enhance the visitor experience through ongoing development, community commitment, and dedication to providing authentic and meaningful experiences for travelers. Future initiatives related to these aspects will likely continue to balance preservation of authentic character with enhancement of visitor services and amenities, ensuring that Irlam remains an attractive and rewarding destination for travelers seeking comprehensive and satisfying travel experiences.

Irlam Education and Learning - Educational Tourism

The education and learning - educational tourism of Irlam provide essential context for visitors interested in understanding this destination's appeal and significance. This aspect of Irlam contributes significantly to the overall travel experience, offering visitors opportunities for exploration, learning, and meaningful engagement with local culture and community life. Understanding these characteristics helps travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a destination that offers both authentic experiences and modern conveniences for visitors seeking memorable and enriching travel experiences.

The education and learning - educational tourism of Irlam continue to enhance the visitor experience through ongoing development, community commitment, and dedication to providing authentic and meaningful experiences for travelers. Future initiatives related to these aspects will likely continue to balance preservation of authentic character with enhancement of visitor services and amenities, ensuring that Irlam remains an attractive and rewarding destination for travelers seeking comprehensive and satisfying travel experiences.

Irlam Tourism and Attractions - Things to Do

The tourism and attractions - things to do of Irlam provide essential context for visitors interested in understanding this destination’s appeal and significance. This aspect of Irlam contributes significantly to the overall travel experience, offering visitors opportunities for exploration, learning, and meaningful engagement with local culture and community life. Understanding these characteristics helps travelers appreciate the comprehensive nature of Irlam as a destination that offers both authentic experiences and modern conveniences for visitors seeking memorable and enriching travel experiences.

The tourism and attractions - things to do of Irlam continue to enhance the visitor experience through ongoing development, community commitment, and dedication to providing authentic and meaningful experiences for travelers. Future initiatives related to these aspects will likely continue to balance preservation of authentic character with enhancement of visitor services and amenities, ensuring that Irlam remains an attractive and rewarding destination for travelers seeking comprehensive and satisfying travel experiences.

Planning Your Visit to Irlam - Complete Travel Guide

Planning a comprehensive and memorable visit to Irlam requires careful consideration of the numerous aspects that make this destination unique within United Kingdom, including cultural heritage, geographic setting, seasonal considerations, accommodation options, transportation accessibility, and the diverse range of experiences available to visitors throughout the year. This complete Irlam travel planning guide provides essential information for travelers seeking to maximize their visit through understanding local characteristics, seasonal variations, cultural expectations, available accommodations, activity options, and the full range of attractions and experiences that make Irlam such a special and rewarding travel destination.

Visitors planning extended stays in Irlam will discover that the destination offers comprehensive amenities, services, and infrastructure necessary for comfortable accommodation and convenient access to attractions, as well as authentic experiences, cultural richness, and community engagement opportunities that create lasting memories of United Kingdom travel. The destination’s commitment to hospitality, cultural authenticity, environmental stewardship, and sustainable tourism practices ensures that every visitor can find meaningful ways to connect with and appreciate the unique character, special qualities, and distinctive appeal that make Irlam such an exceptional destination for travelers seeking authentic, enriching, and memorable travel experiences.