Photo: Irish Film Institute
Photo: Irish Film Institute
Photo: Irish Film Institute
Irish Film Institute
★4.5(721 reviews)$$Theater
🕑 2-3 hours including the film screening and time for café refreshments👶 Best for ages 5-14. Younger children (5-8) will enjoy the family film screenings in a cozy theater setting, while tweens and teens (9-14) can develop their film appreciation through the educational programming and diverse international cinema offerings.🧡 Saved by 43 families
About
The Irish Film Institute in Dublin's vibrant Temple Bar district offers young movie lovers a sophisticated cinema experience with specially curated children's programs and family films in an intimate, historic setting. Beyond screenings, kids can explore educational film experiences that foster appreciation for cinema as an art form, all within a cultural hub that includes a café and film library.
Highlights
- ✓Specially curated children's film programs featuring international and classic cinema
- ✓Educational film experiences that introduce kids to cinema as an art form
- ✓Cozy, intimate theater atmosphere perfect for young audiences
- ✓On-site café with kid-friendly snacks and meals
- ✓Film archive and library area that fascinates budding cinephiles
Pro Tips
- 1.Check the website in advance for the children's film schedule, as family-friendly screenings are scheduled at specific times rather than running continuously throughout the day.
- 2.Arrive 15-20 minutes early to grab snacks at the on-site café and let kids browse the film archive area, which often fascinates young movie enthusiasts.
- 3.Temple Bar can be very busy on weekend evenings with adult nightlife, so matinee or early evening weekend screenings are ideal for families.
- 4.Note that Thursday hours are limited (closes at 3:00 PM), so plan accordingly if visiting mid-week.
- 5.The IFI often hosts special children's film festivals and educational workshops during school holidays, offering unique experiences beyond regular screenings.
Best Time to Visit
Weekend matinees (11:00 AM to 2:00 PM) are perfect for families, offering a quieter Temple Bar experience before the area gets crowded. Weekday early afternoon screenings also provide a peaceful cinema experience with smaller audiences.
What to Know
Tickets are moderately priced ($$), and the venue includes a café for pre or post-film snacks. Located in pedestrian-friendly Temple Bar, street parking is limited, so consider using nearby paid car parks on Fleet Street or public transport (Luas and buses nearby).
Seasonal Notes
The IFI hosts special children's film festivals and family programming during Irish school holidays (mid-term breaks, Easter, summer, and Christmas). Summer months offer extended children's programming with educational workshops and special screenings.
Nearby Eats
The Bad Ass Café (American-style burgers and Tex-Mex in a casual setting) and Beshoff Bros (fish and chips favorite) are both nearby on Crown Alley and offer kid-friendly menus in the Temple Bar area.
More Activities Near Dublin
Theater
Bord Gáis Energy Theatre
$$
The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre is Dublin's premier destination for family-friendly stage productions, regularly hosting spectacular musicals, beloved children's shows, and professional performances that captivate audiences of all ages. With its modern facilities, comfortable seating, and world-class productions ranging from Disney classics to popular West End shows, this 2,111-seat venue offers an unforgettable theatrical experience in the heart of Dublin's Docklands.
Theater
Smock Alley Theatre, 1662
★4.7$$❤️228
Step into Dublin's oldest theatre, dating back to 1662, where history meets family entertainment in an intimate setting. Smock Alley Theatre offers specially curated children's performances, interactive workshops, and family-friendly productions that bring stories to life in this charming Temple Bar venue. The historic atmosphere combined with modern programming makes theatre accessible and exciting for young audiences.
Theater
The Gaiety Theatre
★4.6$$❤️42
The Gaiety Theatre is one of Dublin's most beloved historic theaters, famous for its magical Christmas pantomimes and year-round family shows. With its stunning Victorian architecture and intimate atmosphere, this venue has been enchanting families for over 140 years with top-quality productions that bring fairy tales and beloved stories to life on stage.
Park
Merrion Square South
Free
Merrion Square South offers families a peaceful Georgian-era green space right in Dublin's city center, perfect for a playground break while exploring Ireland's capital. Kids can burn off energy at the well-equipped playground while parents admire the beautifully maintained gardens and historic architecture surrounding this 12-acre park.