Gemma C.

The top floor is a nice cafe and light, airy corridor where they sell the tickets, then venture down into the depths to the underground screens, all big colourful comfy chairs and perfectly distanced screens, so you'll never have neck problems. The lowest floor is the bar and the biggest screens, where you can get a generous helping of wine in a plastic glass for 5:50 and bring it in with you to your movie of choice with your artisan nibbles. The best thing about this place is the crowd; everyone is respectful and love their films and this has a decidedly cooler vibe than the IFI. The Light House is the best place in Dublin to catch your Irish movies, as it's run by Element, our biggest distributors, so every ticket is supporting local film! Make sure to make this your venue of choice if you're doing any film festivals as it remains the best space for mingling and chatting to other film nerds.

Emily C.

Just wanted to update this to give some more impressions on the smaller (red) screen. The seats are comfortable to the point of potential narcolepsy attacks! Each seat also seems to give the perfect view of the large screen, never being too close or far away, and the intimate setting gives the impression you're sitting in your own private screening. Our tickets to the movie only cost 6 euro as well, with one of our party paying 4 euro with student ID. Not sure why this was - because it was during the day or because the movie was a bit older, but bargain all the same. Drank the pink lemonade which was faaaarrr too sour for my tastes despite it's tempting aesthetics. Brought it home to dilute into water.

Emily S.

This cinema is different , it's more like an art gallery than commercial cinema. The decor was lovely and colorful, loads of space to relax. The screens were big and the seats were v comfortable. Overall a good experience

Cristin L.

Pardon my language, but what a fuppin cool place the Light House Cinema is. And why has it taken so long for me to go. Here for the season premier of Doctor Who and the introduction to the new Doctor, I was blown away by this place. It's so slick and shiney. There's a cafe on the main level, but we skipped on down to the bar. On the way down alongside the stairs I realise there are seats facing a huge projector screen, which was currently folded away. An extra screen in the lobby, how cool. Downstairs there is lots of space, of which the bar is a small part of. There's comfy seating, a ping pong table, a wall of fairy lights, clean and brights toilets and the two screens. Here early, we waited near the bar sipping some ciders, the staff at the bar were extremely nice and helpful. The atmosphere increased as more Doctor Who fans arrived in for the showing. Into screen one, the seats are big and comfy. And guess what, you can bring your drinks in. The showing was very enjoyable. So it goes without saying, I'm a fan of the Light House Cinema. We'll be back to see 2001: A Space Odyssey in November, for the end of Stanley Kubrick season. The only negative I have is the popcorn is far far FAR too salty.

Ahmed A.

Like classic movies on the big screen and the odd artsy flick? The lighthouse is for you! I live very close to the cinema and have spent many an evening playing wii on the bottom floor of the cinema, ping/pong on one of the many table tennis, or chilling with a few drinks in the bar/cafe with a few mates before the film begins. The lighthouse hosts not only interesting and obscure movies such as the premiere of movies such as Frank with Q&A's from the director but would have seasons every few weeks such as a a Bill Murray season which is currently showing with many classics or a Coen Brothers season or even a Kubrick season. It is not overpriced and has lovely staff and INCREDIBLY comfortable seating which is a must for a long movie! It is the best cinema I have ever been to and I would urge anyone reading this to give it a go!

Jo M.

Smithfield's Lighthouse Cinema is a beacon of innovative design. The use of light and space is phenomenal and makes this cinema a destination in itself, rather than just a vessel for the viewing of films. At the entrance a long tunnel of bright white light upon white walls entices filmgoers into the underground realm of this four screen, 600 seat venue. A giant's stairway leads to the 'waiting room' of brightly coloured cushions on a tiered, grandstandesque area. Not one to arrive at a film before at least half the previews are over, I can't be sure if people actually wait here to be called into the theatres, but I imagine they do. The theatres themselves are pristine, comfortable and intimate. From the loungeroom-like 68 seater to the more spacious 277 seater, the Lighthouse's theatres make filmgoing an absolute pleasure (if it isn't already!) The films themselves are not your generic, run of the mill Jennifer Aniston romantic comedies. The Lighthouse Cinema shows more of an art house, independent variety of films with a focus on independent Irish productions and foreign films. There is a cafe/bar in the lower section of this architect's dream of a building, and it is definitely worth a visit. The Lighthouse opened in its current location in May last year, and has since become a popular destination for the trendies of Dublin 7. Lads, if you want to impress a woman, this is a good place to start. She will be so taken aback by your chic, laid-back cool that you will be lining up date number two in no time.

Ailbhe B.

It's a hidden gem in the centre of Dublin city centre! Why support the masses of IMC and UCI when u can support local cinemas that sell local produce! It shows all the up to date movies and sells popcorn just like everywhere else! Bonus is that they also serve alcohol, have a chill out zone with couches and catchy tunes!!! They also have a ping pong table if ya fancy a bit of lite hearted competition before the flick! Let's just say the lighthouse Cinema is not just a Cinema it's a a laid back chilled out movie paradise in the centre of the city! Also the coffee shop is perfect for a little day time stop off with free wifi and tasty sambos and cakes!!!

Juan R.

Yes, yes... I also go to Cineworld and even Savoy most of the times... but I loooove Light House Cinema. It's great, classy, neat, cool and it welcomes all kind of movies and audiences. I have seen here "Gone Girl", a special event around "The Shining" and a screening of "Beyond Clueless" (a rare documentary about teen movies) followed by a Q+A's with the director. It's always interesting, surprising, alive! The place itself is very nice, with a very comfy and not that expensive café inside and very well suited screens. It's kind of a long walk depending on where you live, but it is always worth the trip. Just a wish: Could they record a weekly podcast just for me to enjoy? Thanks ;-)

Sarah G.

The Light House is more than just a Cinema, with an array of games downstairs and a ton of special events. They also show a good range of movies, not just the big blockbusters. They have a good selection of foreign language and Arthouse movies. But there is something about this Cinema that feels quite special from the tasty food at the cafe, to the funky seating in the main areas. Perhaps even the fact you can buy a glass (or bottle) of wine and take it in with you to your movie if you wish. The staff are also warm and friendly which adds to the overall feeling that you're here for the whole Light house experience, not just to sit on your butt for a few hours to escape reality. Which when you do so is on VERY comfy chairs!

Christine G.

Dublin's latest addition to cultural cinema comes in the shape of an apartment complex. Do no let the exterior deceive you however, step through the door and you'll know they mean business. Much of the interior looks like a film set Stanley Kubrick might once have considered. As for film, The Lighthouse commends originality, innovation and quality. Celebrating independent films makers, including Irish and foreign-language, it offers a welcome additional space in which they may battle it out against the major film studios that dominate the market. Post-show pints may be enjoyed in the lively cafe-bar, safe in the reassurance that cultural cinema is very much alive and thriving.

John S.

Don't be scared, I know its over 'the other side' of the city, come and see the space aged wonder that is the new Lighthouse cinema in everyone's favourite yuppified area, Smithfield. I have a traumatic memory of the old lighthouse, being made go there for a Birthday party as a kid to see 'The Navigator'.The film is about time travel and the black death, so you can imagine how that went down with a bunch of 8 year olds, my social standing was forever damaged. Happily I've become more eclectic in my film taste since and was as happy as any other sight and sound reader to hear that the Lighthouse was re-opening in Smutfield. As Jo says the place is worth a look even if your not going to a movie, sorry film, its art house here mainly. With a very modern and bright design, careful on that stairs its like a bob-sleigh run. You know your not in UCI or Cinewould because there won't be a rom-com in sight, unless its subtitled and everyone dies in the end. The also have a like wine bar, of course they do, as you walk in on the right. Seriously though, I'm a big fan of the Lighthouse and don't get there enough, certainly great to see another new art-house and limited run cinema, it usually shows similar stuff to the IFI as well as the odd crowd pleaser. Thomas Reads is next door too so you can retire for a post cinema pint to talk shite about the movie, sorry film.