The best cinemas in Dublin right now (2024)

The best cinemas in Dublin right now (1)

Photograph: Shutterstock

Artsy picture house or massive multiplex? Whatever you prefer, our guide to the best cinemas in Dublin can deliver

Written by Shilpa Ganatra

Contributing Writer, Time Out Dublin

Advertising

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: cinema ain’t dead, people! In fact, we’d go as afar as to say it’s better than ever. And during a cosy, wintery trip to Dublin, what could possibly be better than settling down in one of its iconic cinemas for the night? That’s right, absolutely nothing.

Dublin’s cinemas are truly something to behold, from a huge Cineworld complex in the centre of town to indie releases at the intimate Irish Film Institute. If you’re here with a group, there’s even a cinema you can hire privately for 26 of your pals (yes, they supply the popcorn). Whatever you fancy, don’t miss the best cinemas in Dublin.

RECOMMENDED:
🥘 The best restaurants in Dublin📍 The best things to do in Dublin🏛️ The bestfree things to do in Dublin🏨 The best hotels in Dublin

This guide was written by Shilpa Ganatra, a writer based in Dublin. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

🙌
Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Cool cinemas in Dublin

1.Irish Film Institute

The best cinemas in Dublin right now (3)
The best cinemas in Dublin right now (4)

The beating heart of Irish cinema, the IFI is the first port of call for domestic releases. They also show international independent productions that often won’t be shown anywhere else in Ireland. The Temple Bar complex houses three screens, an archive and a shop, plus a large café in which you might spot Irish film industry bit-players. It’s the go-to place for artsy types with a couple of hours to kill in the city centre – there’s always something worth seeing.

2.Light House Cinema
  • Things to do
  • price 1 of 4

Photograph: Ros Kavanagh

Run by Element Pictures (the production company that made ‘The Magdalene Sisters’ and ‘The Wind That Shakes The Barley’), the Light House is run with the creativity and passion you’d only expect froma bunch of proper film buffs. Big releases, Irish classics, a run of short films, one-off screenings, themed weekenders – you name it, they show it. It’s a fabulous space, too: bang in the middle of trendy Smithfield (also home to the Jameson Distillery), its airy, whitewashed interior feelsmore like a contemporary art gallery than a cinema.

Advertising

3.Brooks Private Cinema

This cosy cinema in a city-centre hotel can be hired for up to 26 guests, whether for a hen party, a lavish date night or simply a mates’ get-together. You bring the DVD, Brooks provides the popcorn. For a heavier night, if the hotel’s food and bar offering don’t appeal, hosts can bring wine along (provided the corkage fee is paid).

4.Stella Cinema, Rathmines

The best cinemas in Dublin right now (7)
The best cinemas in Dublin right now (8)

A pioneer of theluxury cinema experience in Ireland, the Stella is a restored one-screen picture house from the 1920s with a host of original features. You’ll find eachluxuriantleather seat dimly lit by a sultry table lamp here – that helps when picking at the food offering (think mini-tacos, panko chicken tenders and churros).On a date? We recommend two-person sofas and double beds.

Advertising

5.Savoy Theatre

The best cinemas in Dublin right now (9)
The best cinemas in Dublin right now (10)

Standing resplendent onthe main drag of O’Connell Street, the Savoy has been a fixture in Dublin since 1929. It was the principal location for Ireland’s glamorous red carpet premieres until a recent refurb, but its reputation as a cinematic institution remains. It now puts on a broad mix of films,across 13 screens,from mainstream flicks to the bigger leftfield releases.

6.Stella at The Devlin

The best cinemas in Dublin right now (11)
The best cinemas in Dublin right now (12)

The baby sister of the main Stella, this 44-seater is in the basement of the uber-cool Devlinhotel in the Ranelagh neighbourhood, a 15-minute walk fromthe city centre.Come in through the adjoining cocktail bar – all gilded edging, mirror panelling and backlights – and you’ll immediately be struck by how intimate this Stellafeels. Don’t expect a packed programme,though (nearly) everything they show isgold.

Advertising

7.Cineworld, Parnell Street

The best cinemas in Dublin right now (13)
The best cinemas in Dublin right now (14)

One for international blockbusters, this Cineworld is the biggest cinema in Ireland, with 17 screens from the giant to the snug. In addition to its Imax screen,at the time of writing it was theonly place in the UK or Ireland that shows movies in 4DX. That’s where effects like moving seats, wind, strobe lighting, surround sound, scents and splashes of water merge in the ultimate immersive cinema experience. You’re a brave soul if you try it with a horrorfilm.

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

🙌
Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

🙌
Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

Recommended

    You may also like

    You may also like

    Advertising

    The best cinemas in Dublin right now (2024)

    FAQs

    What was filmed in Dublin, Ireland? ›

    • Euphoria. 2019– TV-MA. 8.3 (251K) Rate. ...
    • Normal People. 2020TV-14. 8.4 (95K) Rate. ...
    • Foundation. 2021– TV-14. 7.6 (99K) Rate. ...
    • The Tudors. 2007–2010TV-MA. 8.1 (82K) Rate. ...
    • Braveheart. 19952h 58mR. 8.3 (1.1M) Rate. ...
    • Penny Dreadful. 2014–2016TV-MA. 8.2 (132K) Rate. ...
    • The Count of Monte Cristo. 20022h 11mPG-13. 7.7 (150K) Rate. ...
    • Reign. 2013–2017TV-14.

    What musical movie is set in Dublin? ›

    Once is a 2007 Irish romantic musical drama film written and directed by John Carney. The film stars Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová as two struggling musicians in Dublin, Ireland.

    What is the most popular day to go to the movies? ›

    The most popular times to go watch a movie around the world

    Americans go on Christmas, the Chinese on Chinese New Year, and the French on Labor Day weekend. The world watches many of the same movies at the theater, just usually not at the same time.

    Why is cinema so much popular answer? ›

    ➠ Cinema is popular because it is the cheapest source of entertainment today and satisfies all the sections of people and their different tastes.

    What famous movie was shot in Ireland? ›

    Braveheart

    While William Wallace is the famous Scottish hero, the battle scenes of the movie were filmed in Ireland. The most iconic location was Trim Castle in County Meath, where the battle for independence was staged. Additionally, many of the extras in this battle were members of the Irish Army Reserve.

    Where was Harry Potter filmed in Dublin? ›

    Not only are the Cliffs Of Moher Ireland's most-visited natural attraction, they are also the filming location for a scene in Harry Potter & The Half-Blood Prince. The cliffs are featured in a scene where Harry and Dumbledore apparate on the shore of some sea cliffs and enter a cave to find a horcrux.

    What is Dublin's most famous Theatre called? ›

    Abbey Theatre - The Abbey Theatre is the national theatre of Ireland.

    What crime drama is set in Dublin? ›

    Kin (iPlayer)

    Peter McKenna's blood-soaked Dublin noir is an impressive, high-energy drama about the Kinsella family who embark on a gangland war with rival and criminal big fish Eamon Cunningham (Ciarán Hinds).

    Which movie was shot in Trinity College Dublin? ›

    One Productions was commissioned by Trinity College to document the shooting of the Indian film “Ek Tha Tiger” in and around TCD in Dublin.

    What is the cheapest day to go to the movies? ›

    Tuesdays Are for Ticket Savings

    EVERY week.

    What is the quietest day at the cinema? ›

    The quietest time to come is on Monday – Thursday, before 4pm. When booking your ticket, our live seat map will show you how many seats are still available in a particular screening (you can check this right up to your actual visit.)

    What is the most common favorite movie? ›

    Men are most likely to list "Star Wars" as their favorite film, followed by "The Godfather" and "Titanic." Women, meanwhile, name "Gone with the Wind," "Titanic" and "Dirty Dancing" as their top three.

    Why is cinema better than theater? ›

    Everyone has their own reasons, but for myself. Cinema is less of an 'event', relatively short by comparison. Often times the tickets are cheaper, and cinema allows for a vast array of effects that theater doesn't have. It is a cheap mind spectacle, that often requires no thought, just let it go and enjoy.

    Why you should go to the cinema? ›

    It helps us to know ourselves better, build empathy, creativity and allows us to build mental strength and plan our life. If you feel a little nervous about spending time on your own in more public spaces, going to the cinema can be a great way to dip your toe in.

    Why cinema is better than TV? ›

    One of the drawbacks of watching TV at home is the constant stream of distractions. Phone calls, household chores, or other responsibilities can interrupt the viewing experience and hinder your immersion in the film. The cinema, on the other hand, provides a dedicated time and space solely for watching a film.

    What Irish crime drama is set in Dublin? ›

    Kin (iPlayer)

    Peter McKenna's blood-soaked Dublin noir is an impressive, high-energy drama about the Kinsella family who embark on a gangland war with rival and criminal big fish Eamon Cunningham (Ciarán Hinds).

    What Netflix show is set in Dublin? ›

    A part of Manchester has been transformed into 19th century Dublin for filming of the new Netflix series, The House of Guinness. Crews working on the new series, which is set in Dublin and New York, have been spotted in Stockport, Manchester.

    What movie is being filmed in Dublin? ›

    Upcoming Productions
    Film/TVTitleLocations
    Feature FilmChasing MillionsDublin/Wickow, Louth
    Episodic High End TV DramaInspector LynleyDublin/Wicklow
    Episodic TV DramaMix TapeDublin/Wicklow
    Feature FilmFinnegan's FoursomeDublin/Wicklow
    7 more rows

    Was Game of Thrones filmed in Ireland? ›

    While many of GoT's recurring sets (like the Iron Throne) were filmed at Paint Hall studios in Belfast, the show was largely filmed on-location, primarily in Northern Ireland and Iceland for scenes in the North, and Croatia and Spain for the South.

    Top Articles
    Latest Posts
    Recommended Articles
    Article information

    Author: Geoffrey Lueilwitz

    Last Updated:

    Views: 6022

    Rating: 5 / 5 (60 voted)

    Reviews: 83% of readers found this page helpful

    Author information

    Name: Geoffrey Lueilwitz

    Birthday: 1997-03-23

    Address: 74183 Thomas Course, Port Micheal, OK 55446-1529

    Phone: +13408645881558

    Job: Global Representative

    Hobby: Sailing, Vehicle restoration, Rowing, Ghost hunting, Scrapbooking, Rugby, Board sports

    Introduction: My name is Geoffrey Lueilwitz, I am a zealous, encouraging, sparkling, enchanting, graceful, faithful, nice person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.