Overview
The Light House Cinema occupies a prominent spot on Market Street South in Dublin’s Smithfield quarter. With 614 seats divided across four auditoriums, the venue operates as both a modern screening space and a community cultural hub. Sony 4K laser projectors and Dolby surround sound systems handle the technical side, while the layout prioritises comfort and clear sightlines. The ground floor houses a café, and a converted underground car park now functions as a bar and social space. The programming leans heavily toward independent Irish films, international cinema, director retrospectives and live-event broadcasts, though mainstream releases are also scheduled.
A Brief History
The cinema first opened in 1988 on Middle Abbey Street, operating out of a repurposed art-deco building that quickly attracted Dublin’s film community. A temporary closure in 1996 preceded a major relocation. Funded by the government, a new purpose-built site opened in Smithfield in 2008, designed specifically for independent and festival programming. The 2011 financial crisis disrupted operations, leading to a short shutdown and the transfer of the property to the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA).
In 2012, Element Pictures acquired the venue and reopened it with a refreshed operational model. The management team focused on eclectic scheduling, community engagement and festival hosting. The approach earned recognition from the Guardian Film Awards and ARTINFO’s “Coolest Cinema in the World” list. Today, the Light House serves as a primary venue for the Dublin International Film Festival, The Gaze Film Festival, the Japanese Film Festival and various music and literature events.
Screens & Programming
The venue’s four screens are deliberately varied in size to match different types of content:
- Screen 1 – 277 seats. The main auditorium, typically used for premieres, live broadcasts and larger festival titles.
- Screen 2 – 153 seats. A mid-size space for independent releases and classic film seasons.
- Screen 3 – 116 seats. Focused on foreign-language cinema, documentary features and niche programming.
- Screen 4 – 68 seats. The smallest room, reserved for experimental films, short programmes and special events.
Programming rotates weekly. Regular “seasons” dedicate several weeks to a specific director, actor or genre, while ad-hoc cult screenings and sing-along events appear throughout the year. Live cinema broadcasts cover opera, ballet, theatre and major concerts, allowing patrons to experience stage performances on the big screen.
Food & Drink
The ground-floor café operates during screening hours and serves coffee, hot chocolate, pastries, sandwiches and salads. It is a practical stop for pre-show refreshments or a quick break between films.
The subterranean bar, built into the former car park structure, functions as the venue’s social centre. The menu includes craft beers, wines, spirits and cocktails, alongside toasties, quiches and light bites. The bar remains open after the final screening, making it a common meeting point for post-film discussions. A separate lounge area within the bar provides a quieter environment for conversation or a pause between showings.
Accessibility & Family Screenings
The Light House prioritises inclusive access. All public corridors, ticket desks, screening rooms and toilets are wheelchair-accessible. The venue schedules regular open-caption screenings, where subtitles remain visible throughout the entire film, and sensory-friendly showings that reduce ambient lighting and volume while omitting trailers. Assistance dogs are permitted in all areas.
For families with young children, dedicated Parent & Baby screenings run on weekend mornings. These sessions feature dimmed house lights, lowered audio levels and relaxed entry policies, allowing parents to bring their own snacks and move freely during the film. Buggy storage is available at the entrance for these showings.
Getting There & Ticketing
Address & Transport
Market St S, Smithfield, Dublin 7 (D07 R6YE). The Smithfield stop on the Luas Red Line is a four-minute walk from the entrance. Bus routes 26, 37, 39, 39A, 79 and 79A serve the surrounding streets. Dublin Heuston Railway Station is approximately a 17-minute walk north along Middle Abbey Street.
Tickets & Membership
Standard adult tickets range from €6.50 to €12, with pricing determined by the film and screening type. Reduced fares apply for students and seniors. The cinema operates a Circle membership scheme (€20–€49 annually) that includes complimentary tickets, café and bar discounts, and priority booking for high-demand events. All seats are unassigned; arriving 10–15 minutes before the start time ensures the best available spot.
Parking
City centre parking is limited, but discounted rates are available at the Queen Street car park for cinema patrons.
Exploring Smithfield
The cinema sits in a quarter that has evolved from a historic livestock market into a cultural and dining district. Within walking distance:
- Abbey Theatre – Ireland’s national theatre, seven minutes north, stages contemporary and classic Irish drama.
- Aviva Stadium – A 15-minute walk to the modern arena hosting Irish rugby and football internationals.
- Old Jameson Distillery Bow St – A restored 18th-century whiskey museum offering guided tours and tastings.
- St. Mary’s Abbey Ruins – A quiet medieval site tucked along the River Poddle, reflecting Dublin’s monastic past.
- Smithfield Square – The open-air market space that hosts weekend food stalls, seasonal events and occasional live music.
Visitor Tips
- Check the weekly schedule online before visiting. The programme updates regularly and often includes pop-up festivals or director Q&A sessions not listed in advance.
- Seats are unassigned. If you prefer the centre rows or a specific auditorium, aim to arrive at least ten minutes early.
- Use the Luas Red Line for the most straightforward approach. The Smithfield stop exits directly onto the pedestrianised zone outside the cinema.
- Parent & Baby screenings typically run on Saturday and Sunday mornings. These are clearly marked on the website and allow relaxed entry and exit.
- Join the Circle membership if you plan to attend multiple screenings or festivals. The annual fee usually pays for itself after two or three visits, and members receive early access to limited-capacity events.