A proposal is in development to build new film studios in Dublin. The film making industry in Ireland is worth an estimated €550 million a year.
James Morris, a founder of Windmill Lane Studios and film producer Alan Moloney, have confirmed they are developing proposals to create studios on the former Irish Glass Bottle site at Ringsend.
James Hickey, chief executive of Bord Scannán na hÉireann/the Irish Film Board says this “is very good news for the Irish film and television industry”.
“There is an urgent need for more studio infrastructure in Ireland to create more employment opportunities in the audio-visual industry, building on the success of the sector to date.”
180,000 sq. ft. of studio space, with additional space for production services and several individual sound stages, will be built on the site.
The studios will aim to attract local and international film and television production activity.
Current Irish film studios include Ashford Studios where the TV series Vikings is currently filming and Ardmore Studios in Co. Wicklow where the TV show Penny Dreadful has been filming for the last number of years.
Six of the best cinemas in Ireland
The International Union of Cinemas says that Ireland has the most cinema goers of any country in the EU, with 2015 being a record year for cinema admissions. Ireland has more than double the EU average of cinema admissions per capita; Ireland boasts 3.3 admissions per capita while our nearest rivals, France and the UK, have 3.1 and 2.7 respectively.
Lighthouse Cinema
Located in the Market Square in Smithfield, the Lighthouse cinema is regarded as one of the coolest places to catch a movie in Dublin. The Lighthouse distinguishes itself from its competitors by offering punters a mixture of Hollywood blockbusters, old classics and art-house films. A stone’s throw from the achingly cool Stoneybatter, the cinema is surrounded by a wealth of hip pubs and restaurants.
Eye Cinema
Galway’s locally-owned Eye bills itself as “the cinema that Galway deserves but has never had”. It sets itself apart from the big cinema chains by giving customers a choice of both mainstream film as well as more arthouse offerings. Visitors get the full multiplex experience with multiple screens, cafés, bars and an ice cream parlour. However, its Eye’s commitment to culture (as well as independent cinema it also host live events with musicians, poets, and comedians) that makes Eye the best in the West.
Phoenix Cinema Dingle
This family-run cinema is just another reason to love Dingle; an adult ticket to its nightly evening showing is only €8 while a matinee ticket will set you back €5.50. The 150 seat cinema also has its ‘Art Film’ night on Tuesdays, with tea and biscuits thrown in for good measure. A good option following a day exploring the Wild Atlantic Way or one of the town’s other attractions.
Century Cinemas
Another family run business, Century has been bringing cinema to Letterkenny for over 75 years. It has all the trappings of a multiplex with eight screens, stadium seating, and 3D movies. However, it also broadcasts live theatre and dance productions. In 2013 it opened its very own ice skating rink, Century Ice, so there’s no shortage of things to do in this enterprising venue.
IFI
Home of the Irish Film Institute, Temple Bar’s IFI is the go-to cinema for Dublin film buffs who want to get their fix of the latest in cutting-edge movie making. Its Georgian building gives visitors a cosy cinema-going experience, while its bar and café give people a place to hang out before sampling what’s on offer on the big screen.
Movie Junction
Cork’s Movie Junction is Ireland’s only dedicated drive in cinema, open seven nights a week. Visitors pick up snacks at the drive-thru kiosk, pull up in the parking bay, tune into the Movie Junction FM frequency on the car radio, then sit back and enjoy the latest blockbuster. Pizzas and chips can be ordered and delivered to your car door, and canopies keep your windscreen clear when it rains. A little slice of American culture in County Cork.
READ: The film sector is big business. If you want to open a cinema find the right finance.
This post was originally published here - https://www.thinkbusiness.ie/articles/best-irish-cinemas/ on