Student Special: Ireland's Top Cinemas

Cineworld Dublin

The biggest cinema in Ireland, this multiplex has four floors and 17 screens. As a result, it shows a vast selection of movies including a decent amount of indie fare. Also, more screens means more showings. This – coupled with its Parnell Street location in Dublin’s City Centre – makes it one of the more accessible, and pleasant cinema experiences. Cineworld Dublin also houses a massive IMAX screen which will make every blockbuster an immersive, powerful experience. Regular student tickets are €9.40. However, Tuesdays are slightly cheaper with all standard 2-D showings costing €7.90. Springing for IMAX or IMAX 3D will set you back a further €4-€6.

Gate Multiplex, Cork

This six-screen mini multiplex in the Southern capital – as well as showing all the big blockbusters – has some solid deals for students looking to save. Located on the North Main Street shopping drag, students can see a film for €5.50 before 5pm and €8 after.

The Irish Film Institute (IFI)

Located in Temple Bar, this arthouse cinema shows only the most interesting art house-style movies from around the world – meaning it should be a fundamental part of any film student’s life. Throughout the year, the IFI runs various festivals including the French Film Festival and Horrorthon. They also have a terrific DVD and book shop and an excellent bar and restaurant: you can be well fed before discovering your new favourite director. Students can attend for €5 on Mondays up until 7.30pm. For younger regular attendees, we advise signing up for a year’s membership. On Mondays, this costs €15 but leads to cheaper tickets all year round, discounts at the restaurant and DVD shop, and a free preview each month.

Light House Cinema

Located in Smithfield, Dublin, this underground (literally) cinema is a film student’s dream. Showing both blockbusters and foreign/independent Irish movies, it has a café selling sandwiches, sausage rolls and soups – along with popcorn – and a bar stocked with craft beers, ales, stouts and IPAs. The cinema runs Dublin Grindhouse and Hollywood Babylon, the best movie nights in Dublin. The first plays old cult action, horror and sci-fi gems, while the second is a midnight movie club dedicated to screening edgy, ‘disreputable’ fare. Recent showings include Kickboxer, The Wicker Man and To Live And Die In LA. You can take a virtual tour of the gorgeous cinema on their website. While tickets prices may vary for special events, students can see a movie for €7 before 5pm and €8.50 after.

Odeon

This theatre chain can be found all over Ireland with locations in Dublin including Blanchardstown, Charlestown, Coolock, the Point Square and Stillorgan. Showcasing predominately blockbusters and mainstream films, Wednesday is the day to go with standard 2-D tickets available for €6. This deal is available in all Dublin locations aside from Blanchardstown, who do not partake in the promotion.

Pálás

Run by the owners of Dublin’s Light House, Element Pictures (who’ve also had a hand in some of the best films of the past ten years), this recently opened three screen arthouse theatre is the Galway equivalent. Boasting gorgeous architecture, a diverse eclectic programme, as well as a bar and restaurant, just being there will make you feel cooler. Student deals are the same as in the Light House.

Savoy Cinema

Although it may have annoyed some that Dublin’s oldest cinema divided its iconic 800-seat screen into five smaller ones, Savoy’s central location on O’Connell Street and its price deals make it potentially irresistible. Student tickets cost €5 on Tuesday. On Wednesdays, you can purchase a medium drink, medium popcorn and ticket deal for a tenner. Meanwhile, booking tickets online can get you into a Thursday night blockbuster for €5.50.

Stella Theatre

Catching a movie at this recently renovated Rathmines cinema is well worth the effort. While the cost for a regular seat is pricey at €19, you get to live like a king. From your comfy armchair you can enjoy a new blockbuster or a classic reissue and have the Stella’s gourmet cinema treats – mini Tacos, chilli hot dogs and sugar churros – delivered to your theatre seat by waiters. Meanwhile, if you’re really looking to impress a date, splash for a two-person couch to see a film for €38. The Stella’s goal is to introduce the glamour and glitz of the roaring ’20s to a new generation of movie-goers. In keeping with this, the theatre also houses a cocktail bar and an outdoor terrace where you can sip movie-inspired beverages under the stars.

Triskel Arts Centre

While your average Cork student will probably attend the Gate Multiplex, those studying Film & Screen Media at UCC should do themselves a favour and seek out this unique spot. Located in a refurbished 1700s neo-classical church, Triskel showcases the best in independent and world cinema. Screening two titles each week with additional special events and film strands (they are in the middle of a fantastic Agnes Varda retrospective), it’s the perfect place to improve your movie knowledge between lectures. Who said learning can’t be fun? Matinee showings cost €6 for everyone, while shows from 6pm and onwards are €9. Try their barista coffee, home baking and bar menu from Scrypt, their onsite café bar.