Overview
Nestled in the bustling Smithfield Market neighbourhood, the Light House Cinema is one of Dublin’s most celebrated cultural spaces. With 614 seats spread across four intimate screens, the venue combines state‑of‑the‑art 4K laser projection, Dolby surround sound and a stylish subterranean bar built into an old underground car park. Whether you’re hunting the latest Hollywood blockbuster, an arthouse gem, or a classic film marathon, the Light House delivers a cinematic experience that feels both cutting‑edge and cosy. Its on‑site café serves fresh sandwiches, salads and pastries, while the bar offers craft beers, fine wines and inventive cocktails – perfect for a pre‑film drink or a post‑screen discussion.
History
The original Light House Cinema opened in 1988 on Middle Abbey Street, occupying an art‑deco building that quickly became a favourite among Dublin’s film lovers. After a brief closure in 1996, a new government‑funded venue was erected in Smithfield and opened its doors in 2008. The 2011 property crash forced a short shutdown, after which the National Asset Management Agency (NAMA) took control. In 2012 Element Pictures rescued the cinema, re‑opening it with a fresh vision that blended eclectic programming with community‑focused events. Since then, the Light House has earned accolades such as the Guardian Film Awards’ Highly Commended Best Cinema and ARTINFO’s “Coolest Cinema in the World”. It now hosts the Dublin International Film Festival, The Gaze Film Festival, the Japanese Film Festival and a host of other cultural happenings.
What to See & Do
- Four distinct screens – Screen 1 (277 seats) is the largest, followed by Screen 2 (153 seats), Screen 3 (116 seats) and the intimate Screen 4 (68 seats). Each auditorium is equipped with Sony 4K projectors and Dolby surround sound, ensuring crystal‑clear picture and immersive audio.
- Eclectic film programme – The cinema’s schedule weaves together independent Irish titles, foreign‑language masterpieces, classic retrospectives and mainstream blockbusters. Regular “seasons” celebrate a director, actor or genre, while special cult‑film screenings and live‑event cinema (opera, ballet, concerts) add extra sparkle.
- Festivals and events – As a key venue for the Dublin International Film Festival, the Light House also runs its own One Two One Two Music Festival, quiz nights, book clubs and occasional sing‑along sessions. These events turn a simple movie night into a community experience.
- Bar and café – The subterranean bar, tucked beneath the car‑park framework, serves craft beers, wines and cocktails alongside a menu of toasties, salads, quiches and pastries. The café, located on the ground floor, offers coffee, hot chocolate and light bites – ideal for a relaxed pre‑show ritual.
- Family‑friendly offerings – Dedicated Parent & Baby screenings feature lowered volume, dimmed lighting and the option to bring your own food, making the cinema welcoming for families with young children.
Practical Information
Address & transport – The cinema sits at Market St S, Smithfield, Dublin 7 (D07 R6YE). It is a short 4‑minute walk from the Smithfield Luas Red Line stop and is served by several bus routes (37, 39, 39a, 26, 79, 79A). For those arriving by train, Dublin Heuston is about a 17‑minute walk.
Ticketing & pricing – Standard adult tickets range from €6.50 to €12 depending on the film and screen. Discounted rates are available for students, seniors and members of the cinema’s Circle membership scheme (annual fee €20‑€49), which also grants free tickets, café discounts and priority booking. Seats are unassigned, so arriving a few minutes early helps you claim a preferred spot.
Accessibility – All public areas and screening rooms are wheelchair‑accessible. The venue provides open‑caption screenings (subtitles displayed throughout) and sensory screenings with reduced lighting and sound; trailers are omitted for these showings. Assistance dogs are welcome, and a spacious bar area offers a quiet retreat for anyone needing a break.
Parking – While the cinema is located in a city centre, discounted parking is available at the nearby Queen Street car park for patrons, and buggy storage is provided for Parent & Baby sessions.
Contact & online resources – For the latest programme, ticket booking and event details, visit the official website lighthousecinema.ie. The box‑office can be reached at +353 1 872 8006.
Screen capacities
| Screen | Seats |
|---|---|
| Screen 1 | 277 |
| Screen 2 | 153 |
| Screen 3 | 116 |
| Screen 4 | 68 |
Visitor Ratings
Online reviewers consistently rate Light House Cinema highly: Google averages 4.6 / 5 from over 7,600 reviews, while Facebook shows a 4.3 / 5 rating. Visitors praise the comfortable angled‑back seating, clean facilities and friendly staff. The cinema’s reputation for diverse programming and a welcoming atmosphere makes it a top recommendation for both locals and tourists.
Facilities & Services
- Payment – All ticket purchases and bar/café transactions can be made by credit or debit card; cash is also accepted at the box‑office.
- Seat numbering – Seats are numbered, allowing you to locate your spot easily once you’re inside.
- Wi‑Fi – Free public Wi‑Fi is available throughout the public areas.
- Refreshments – In addition to the bar, the café offers a range of hot drinks, pastries, sandwiches and salads.
- Quiet zones – The bar’s separate lounge area provides a quieter space for conversations or a break between screenings.
Nearby attractions
Smithfield is a lively quarter with several cultural stops within easy walking distance:
- Abbey Theatre – Ireland’s national theatre, just a 7‑minute walk north, offers a programme of classic and contemporary Irish drama.
- Aviva Stadium – A short 15‑minute stroll takes you to the modern sporting arena, home to Irish rugby and football internationals.
- The Old Jameson Distillery – Located on Bow St, this historic whiskey museum provides guided tours and tastings.
- St. Mary’s Abbey Ruins – A quiet historic site a few minutes away, offering a glimpse of medieval Dublin.
- Smithfield Square – The open‑air market space hosts a weekend food market and occasional live music.
These attractions make a half‑day itinerary easy to combine with a film at the Light House.
Visitor tips
- Arrive early – Seats are on a first‑come, first‑served basis; getting there 10‑15 minutes before the show secures a good spot.
- Check the programme online – The cinema updates its schedule weekly and often adds pop‑up events, so a quick glance at the website can reveal a surprise screening.
- Take advantage of the café – Coffee and pastries are available before the film; the bar stays open after the screening for post‑movie discussions.
- Family screenings – If you’re visiting with young children, look for the Parent & Baby slots (usually on weekend mornings) which allow you to bring snacks and keep lighting low.
- Public transport – The Smithfield Luas stop is the most convenient; a single ticket costs €2.10 (2024 rates) and the stop is right outside the cinema entrance.