Cinema in Dublin Going Outdoor and Underground

The phenomenon of outdoor cinema has proven to be a hit in Dublin, so it’s no surprise that it once again graces the agenda for this summer.

The first of two on-going film events, Underground Cinema’s Drive In, debuts this weekend at the Ferry Terminal in Dún Laoghaire Harbour. Long the domain of the 1950s American teenager, for a limited time, those of us who have always been curious about this particular form of cinematic entertainment can now experience it for ourselves – with no pop socks or varsity jackets in sight.

Over the next ten months, those who roll up to Dún Laoghaire harbour during the Drive In Season will be treated to a selection of sixty films, with two screenings a day (7pm for family films, post-9pm for more mature audiences), and a range specialising in cult and classic films, alongside a number of independent Irish works.

The first two of these screenings takes place next Saturday, 15th of March (Grease and Jaws), and the Drive In’s successive nights have maintained a quality line-up – from The Goonies and The Commitments, to Back To The Future and The Usual Suspects – and their upcoming movies include Casablanca, Aliens, and Monsters University.

Tickets for the Drive In can be booked online or at the harbour on the day (though screenings are limited to 80 cars, so booking in advance is advised), and the price for a car (three or more people) comes in at a reasonable €20, with children under four going free, and a student rate of €16. For €6, they also allow for up to 20 ‘pedestrian’ tickets per screening, though you’ll need to remember to bring along your own portable radio so as to tune into to the frequency playing the film’s soundtrack.

The second of our outdoor cinematic events is Happenings ‘Instant Open Air Cinema and Music Fest’, which will be run out of Fitzwilliam Square in the city centre. Founded in 2009, Happenings run instant pop-up events in Dublin and Limerick, with a focus on low-impact, informal, and socially responsible gatherings in public spaces. Their first outing for the Instant Cinema was last year, when they would give 36 hours notice before setting up shop and organising screenings in green places when the weather permitted.

This year the formula will remain the same – patrons sign up to email, Facebook, or Twitter alerts, and from the 18th of April until the 18th of August, when the good weather rolls in, the screens go up. Tickets cost just €5, and food and warm drinks are on sale on-site. Happenings also have a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy – littering ain’t cute, so you’ll be expected to pick up after yourselves when the movie is over.

For information about the Underground Cinema Drive In and to buy tickets, please visit their website or Facebook page.

Likewise, for further information about Happenings Instant Open Air Cinema and Music Fest or to sign up for their alerts, check out their website or Facebook page.

CONTACT DETAILS

Ferry Terminal
Dún Laoghaire Harbour
Co. Dublin