1996–97 Irish Cup

The 1996–97 Irish Cup was the 117th edition of the Irish Cup, Northern Ireland's premier football knock-out cup competition. It concluded on 3 May 1997 with the final.
Glentoran were the defending champions after winning their 16th Irish Cup last season, with a 1–0 win over Glenavon in the 1996 final. This season Glenavon went one better by winning the cup for the 5th time, with a 1–0 win over Cliftonville in the final.

Results

First round

Dungiven Celtic and Malachians were given byes into the second round.

Second round (A)

The following teams were given byes into the third round: Barn United, Civil Service, Donard Hospital, Dromara Village, Northern Telecom, Oxford United Stars and Portstewart.