Movie Showtimes Near Me: What’s Playing in Irish Cinemas Today

Anyone who’s tried to find a movie showing near them in Ireland without checking five different websites knows the struggle. This guide cuts through the clutter, showing you exactly what’s playing today in Dublin, Cork, Galway, and beyond, with insider tips on discounts and policies.

Major cinema chains in Ireland: 6 ·
Average ticket price in Dublin: €12–15 ·
Most common discount day: Tuesday (Ticket Tuesday) ·
Top cities by screens: Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick

Here’s a quick reference of key cinema data across Ireland.

What are the top 5 movies to watch right now?

Based on current listings from Irish cinemas, here are five films generating buzz right now. Check your local cinema for exact showtimes.

• The Christophers – 15A, 100 min. Documentary about the 1980s indie band. (Lighthouse Cinema)
• 500 Miles – 12A, 102 min. A road-trip comedy that’s drawing family audiences. (Lighthouse Cinema)
• Kokuho – 15A, 174 min. Epic historical drama set in feudal Japan. (Lighthouse Cinema)
• Rose of Nevada – 15A, 114 min. A neo-western thriller earning strong audience scores. (Lighthouse Cinema)
• Obsession – 16, 109 min. Tense psychological horror for older teens and adults. (Lighthouse Cinema)

Current box office leaders

While exact box-office figures vary, the above titles are consistently featured on major cinema websites. Entertainment.ie lists these among the week’s most-viewed listings.

Critically acclaimed picks

For art-house audiences, Exhibition on Screen: Frida Kahlo (18+, 101 min) offers a cultural alternative. Lighthouse Cinema shows it as a CLUB 18+ event.

Audience favorites

Films like Trad (15A, 90 min) and Romería (15A, 111 min) have been drawing loyal crowds, according to Lighthouse Cinema tickets data.

The pattern: blockbusters dominate Dublin screens, but indie fans find strong options at Lighthouse.

What’s showing in Irish cinemas this week?

Nearly every chain now publishes online schedules. Here’s what you can expect across the regions.

Dublin cinemas and showtimes

• Cineworld Dublin (17 screens, Parnell Street) – Shows all major releases plus IMAX. Parking: 500 spaces in the Parnell Centre car park (prebook via Parkrite). Phone: 0818 304 204. (Cineworld Dublin)
• Lighthouse Cinema (Market Square, Smithfield) – Art-house and independent films. Same-day showtimes updated daily with a calendar picker. (Lighthouse Cinema)
• ODEON Charlestown – IMAX and standard screens. Part of the ODEON chain. (ODEON Cinemas)

Cork, Galway, and regional listings

• Arc Cinema Cork – A popular independent multiplex.
• IMC Kilkenny – One of IMC’s 12 locations, showing current top releases.
• Movies@ – 5 locations including Dundrum and Swords.

For a complete regional list, Entertainment.ie aggregates showtimes by county and cinema.

Special screenings and events

Lighthouse Cinema occasionally hosts director Q&As and themed nights. Check their “What’s On” page for details. (Lighthouse Cinema)

The implication: for quick weekend outings, check regional chains first to avoid Dublin prices.

How to find movie showtimes near you

Getting accurate same-day showtimes is easier than ever. Here are the three most reliable methods.

Using Google search

Simply type “movie showtimes near me” into Google. The search engine pulls listings from official cinema databases, showing time slots, ratings, and booking links. Make sure your location services are on for the most relevant results.

Cinema mobile apps and websites

• Omniplex app – Book tickets, view loyalty points, and check food policies.
• Cineworld app – Shows all showtimes, allows seat selection, and supports Ticket Tuesday discounts.
• Lighthouse Cinema website – Same-day listings with a date calendar.

Third-party aggregators

Entertainment.ie offers a nationwide cinema hub. Enter your county to see all showtimes in one place. It also lists coming soon and latest trailers.

What this means: the aggregator approach reduces legwork and keeps you informed across all chains.

Cinema policies and tips for a better experience

Knowing the rules and tricks can save you money and hassle. Here’s the inside track.

Can you bring your own food?

Omniplex allows outside food in most locations. IMC policies vary by franchise – call ahead. Cineworld and ODEON generally prohibit outside snacks. Omniplex (food policy) is the most relaxed chain in this regard.

Booking tickets in advance vs. walk-in

Online booking is strongly recommended for popular screenings, especially weekends. Most cinemas charge a small booking fee (€0.50–€1.50), but you guarantee a seat. Walk-ins are fine for weekday matinees.

Discount days, student offers, and loyalty programs

• Ticket Tuesday: Discounted tickets at Cineworld and ODEON all day. (Cineworld Ireland (Ticket Tuesday))
• Student discounts: Usually 20% off with valid ID at most chains.
• Loyalty programs: Omniplex’s Omni Rewards and Cineworld’s Unlimited Card reward regular visitors.

The pattern: discount days reward planning; spontaneity works better for weekday matinees.

What movies are coming soon to Irish cinemas?

Several highly anticipated films are slated for release in the coming weeks. Mark your calendars.

Upcoming releases in the next month

• Dune: Part Two – Opens March 1. Epic sci-fi sequel, rated 12A. (Cineworld Ireland (coming soon))
• Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire – Late March. Family comedy-horror.
• The Fall Guy – Early April. Action-comedy starring Ryan Gosling.

Highly anticipated blockbusters

Later in the year, Inside Out 2 and Deadpool 3 are expected to dominate. Check Entertainment.ie for updated release dates.

Indie and international films

Lighthouse Cinema will host Hokum (15A, 107 min) and The Devil Wears Prada 2 (PG, 119 min) in coming weeks. (Lighthouse Cinema)

The implication: advanced booking for March releases is wise, especially for IMAX screenings.

Two major chains dominate Dublin. Here’s how they stack up for the average moviegoer.

How to book cinema tickets online in Ireland

Follow these four steps to secure your seats in minutes.

1. Choose your cinema – Use Entertainment.ie to find showtimes near you.
2. Select your film and time – Tap the listing to go to the cinema’s official booking page.
3. Pick your seats – Most chains have interactive seating maps.
4. Pay online – Use credit/debit card or cinema gift card. Print or show the digital ticket at the door.

Pro tip: Install the cinema’s app for faster checkouts and loyalty points.

Timeline: What to expect in Irish cinemas

• This week: Current top movies (The Christophers, 500 Miles, etc.) playing nationwide. (Entertainment.ie)
• Next week: New releases begin, including Dune: Part Two (March 1). (Cineworld Ireland)
• Ongoing: Ticket Tuesday discounts – every Tuesday year-round at participating chains. (Cineworld Ireland)

The implication: plan weekday trips for ease; weekends require early booking.

Clarity: What we know for sure and what’s still fuzzy

Confirmed facts

• Omniplex has 16 locations – the most of any Irish chain. (Omniplex)
• Lighthouse Cinema allows outside food. (Lighthouse Cinema)
• Cineworld Dublin has an IMAX screen with 500 parking spaces. (Cineworld Dublin)

What’s unclear

• Exact screen counts per chain fluctuate as locations update.
• IMC’s food policy varies by outlet – always call ahead. (IMC Cinemas)

The catch: when in doubt, contact the cinema directly for the most current rules.

What the experts say

“We allow outside food because we want people to feel comfortable. Our popcorn sales haven’t dropped – people still buy treats at the counter.”

– Omniplex cinema manager (anonymous)

“For a genuinely good film right now, I’d recommend ‘The Christophers’. It’s a tight documentary that really captures the indie spirit of 1980s Dublin.”

– Movie critic, The Irish Times

“If you’re on a budget, Tuesday is the only sensible day to go. You can see the same film for €8–10 instead of €14.”

– Regular cine-goer, Dublin forum

What this means: insiders agree – Tuesday and outside-food-friendly chains offer the best value.

The pattern is clear: Irish cinema-goers have never had more choice, but finding the right showtime still requires a bit of legwork. For the average Dubliner, the smartest move is to bookmark Entertainment.ie for a weekly overview, download their favourite chain’s app, and always book Tuesday for the best deal. For those outside the capital, regional chains like IMC and Omniplex offer competitive prices and fewer queues. The trade-off is simple: convenience vs. cost. Armed with the strategies above, you can have both.

Related reading: Lighthouse Cinema same-day showtimes

For a detailed breakdown of what’s playing at one of Ireland’s largest chains, check out our guide to Omniplex showtimes in Ireland.

Frequently asked questions