IFI, Temple Bar – Barely a five minute walk from the Trinity campus, the Irish Film Institute is known for its showcasing of art cinema and Irish films! The number of adverts shown prior the film is quite small compared to other cinemas around town and depending on your day, this is either a blessing or a curse. For cinephiles, the IFI film shop has quite the niche range of films and boxsets – a great place to hunt down Irish films and cinema books. Unfortunately, there’s no popcorn or coke to bring into the screens, however, the IFI café is a fab meeting spot for catch-ups with family and friends beforehand, and you can bring a beer with you to the film. On Mondays, presenting a student card before 7.30pm can get you a ticket for €5.20. Considering this and the cinema’s close proximity to college, the IFI is the perfect destination for a solo cinema trip – a belated ‘Self-care Sunday’!
Cineworld, Parnell Street – Cineworld is one of my favourites as there’s always a good variety of film choices available at any time of the day. Whether you have the morning off or only have ninety minutes free in your evening, there always seems to be options. My only complaint about Cineworld is that they currently don’t offer day-long student deals, like the IFI or Lighthouse, however, the cinema makes up for this by hosting Dublin International Film Festival screenings and Q&As, as well as hosting IMAX film fests. This is also a deadly spot for a first date since it’s quite central and surrounded by eating outlets. There is even a bar on the first floor!
The Lighthouse, Smithfield Square – The Lighthouse is a dream for major film fans! Hosting themed ‘seasons’, such as the late night films of Hollywood Babylon or the coming-of-age films of Wonder Years, there is a film for everyone here. Films which have finished their cinema run are often re-screened, so this is a great destination for catching up on films you missed on the big screen. The Lighthouse is about a twenty minute walk from college but for screenings on rainy days and late nights, the Red Line LUAS makes a stop right outside Smithfield Square. If you’re planning a longer excursion to the cinema, the Lighthouse has a café and a bar, plus there are great food outlets nearby!
Savoy Cinema – This one is so central. It’s great for a post-lectures treat or for incorporating into a day of errands! First of all, the Savoy cinema has the most beautiful interior – the area for buying tickets is especially gorgeous. The screening rooms are very small in size which may be a little claustrophobic for some, but an ideal, cosy spot for others. Price-wise, the cinema may not not have a set price-promotion day but I have heard on the grapevine that members of the college Cumann na Gael society can avail of a drink/popcorn/ticket deal for €10 on a Wednesday, and several societies boast an offer €5 tickets during the week. Check your society cards to see if you can take advantage of this!
ODEON, Point Square – Located near the 3 Arena, The ODEON boasts six screens and According to the Point Square’s website, tickets to standard 2D films cost only €6 between Monday and Thursday, making it a great option if your schedule makes it difficult to plan movie trips around cinemas’ one-day-long ticket promotions.
PLANNING A DAY OUT WITH YOUR GRAN… The IFI
CHOOSING CINEMA VOUCHERS FOR A GIFT… Cineworld
FOR THE CINEPHILES… The Lighthouse
DATE NIGHT…The Savoy
ON A BUDGET… ODEON
