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Irish Film Institute movie theater in Dublin, DUB
Photo: Irish Film Institute
View of Irish Film Institute in Dublin, DUB
Photo: Irish Film Institute
View of Irish Film Institute in Dublin, DUB
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.

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. 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. 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. 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. 4.Note that Thursday hours are limited (closes at 3:00 PM), so plan accordingly if visiting mid-week.
  5. 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.

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