The competition began on 18 September 2010 with the First Round and ended on 7 May 2011 with the Final.

Linfield were the champions, winning their fifth Irish Cup in the last six seasons, by defeating Crusaders 2–1 in the final, who were appearing in their second final in the last three seasons.

All 30 clubs from IFA Championship 1 and 2 entered the competition at this stage.

All 12 clubs from the IFA Premiership entered the competition at this stage, as well as the 20 winners of the previous round of matches.

[6] During the draw ball 16 was mistakenly named as number 10, leaving confusion when 10 was read out a second time.