Irish Film Institute

Had dinner here last Saturday and caught a film after which is pure magic altogether. The place has that real love-of-cinema vibe, nothing like the big multiplexes out the road. The food was spot-on, plenty of good options, and the screening was dark, crisp, and quiet, just how it should be. Staff were sound, the bar is cracking, and you can wander in with your drink like a civilised human. A lovely spot for anyone who actually cares about films. Perfect evening out.

I am a huge IFI fan—vibes are always wonderful, screens are charming and they always have exactly what you never knew you needed to see showing. Booked tickets for the Mystery Matinee today and super excited to see what it will be. Only advice to cinemagoers would be to wear layers, because I've had issues with screens being too hot in summer and too cold in winter. No other criticisms! Think their offer of €5 tickets for under-25s is fantastic, and I'm very happy with the concession pricing for disabled customers like myself.

Where cinema is respected! 3 distinctly different screen spaces that each have a charm. Full bar and restaurant. You can bring your purchased drink into the cinema. Working on glazed roof at present, though intrusion is minimal (Aug 2024). There is an outdoor area too. One can exit (not enter!) from here into Meeting House Square.

Restaurant is really nice and has great vegetarian options. The film selections could be a little more diverse at times - there's no real need to be showing Danny Boyle films, which any mainstream cinemas will show anyway - but otherwise a marvellous place.

Booked restaurant for meal after film which was late starting due to switch from cinema 1 to cinema 2. Endured long queue for restaurant only to discover table was given away. Chaotic and disorganised restaurant, manager totally absent and staff member extremely rude and unhelpful. I will make a formal complaint and will not renew membership and will not be back. Very disappointing- staff training badly needed.

I’ve been to this cinema several times as a member, and I find it difficult to understand why a film institute cinema would allow the staff to turn on the light about 3 minutes before the film actually ends. While I understand that many cinemas choose to turn on the lights when the end credits begin, turning them on while the final scenes are still playing is inappropriate and disrespectful, as it disrupts the viewing experience and affects the audience’s ability to fully engage with the visuals on screen. I’ve encountered this issue three times at Cinema 1 this year. As a film institute, I believe that respecting the integrity of the cinematic experience should be a fundamental standard.

The cinema is in an ideal location somehow avoiding most of the tourist madness in Temple Bar and there is a good variety of independent movies to choose from - my only gripes would be the lack of comfortability when it comes to seating and very frequently the tables to sit and have coffee are very dirty. The food and drinks are slightly overpriced in my opinion but still good quality. Staff are pleasant to deal with which would probably draw me back to this cinema

The IFI is an Irish cinematic institution, but involves some compromises. The main cinema is beautifully clean, comfy and proudly spacious, but the seats in Cinema 1 could do with being 'raked' rather more: little people have to improvise mounds from coats and teddies to peek over the top; and there are no plastic bucket booster seats at all. One might also add no sweets in the foyer. But that's the giveaway: the IFI is a treat hub essentially for adults. Its art-house films are especially impressive- thoughtfully selected, often rare cinematic discoveries. In fact, the IFI could just as easily be rebranded the French Film Institute, such is the tonnage of French cinema and regular French movie festivals. Of course, as if to disprove the point that they're not so child-friendly, they occasionally offer family screenings, where they arrange for a public reading of subtitles- extremely thoughtful for those kids who can't read, if insanely distracting for francophones. The atrium is less polarising: a beautiful space flooded with natural light from a large glass ceiling, and there's a great cafe to the side with loads of high quality choice. Amusez-vous bien!

Pros: - every city needs a cinema this good - plays contemporary and classic art/indie films - clean, stylish, and a place you'd want to hang out - great cafe inside with delicious lattes Cons: - Location isn't the best if you don't like walking through loads of tourists in temple bar

I've never been to a European movie theater but I was very anxious to see the movie "England is mine" the Morrissey movie The movie was based on how the Smiths became a group it wasn't a traditional movie theater like America but they did have the movie Detroit there is a lot of independent flicks or four and I'm not too sure but when I say it's not traditional there was a café that serves sandwiches and pastries and coffee's but unlike American movie theaters it is noticeably absent that there isn't a traditional concession stand with popcorn and soda This felt like those theaters that you go to see Tribeca film Festival flicks It served it's purpose I got to see the movie my chair was not too comfortable only because you could tell it's very old so the seats were very very close quartered like on an airplane so there's not much legroom unless you put your legs up The little lady that gave me my ticket was very nice and patient I thought she was going to throw the credit card machine out of the window because it wasn't working luckily I had euros on me

By chance I got a free ticket to the opening of Strangerland staring Nicole Kidman and Joseph Fiennes. This type of movie isn't my normal but I can say it was good. The Irish producer and Irish co-writer were both there so everyone was on their best behaviour except one person who came in eating chips and fish. The cinema it seems has very lax controls on what you can eat. You can drink in the cinema too which was popular tonight. Back to the movie, Acting was very good, the story may of been unsettling and long but as the producer and co writer explained afterwards the original script changed drastically before filming begin so it would of been worse. The movie won't break any box office records but will make a decent profit I hope. If you haven't been to one of these types of cinema events where the writers and producers are there you must find time. Really good.

They don't serve popcorn! In the cinema! WRONG!!! I'm all for arty films and a nice ambience, but when hipsterness gets in the way of a good old fashioned cinematic treat, then Hueston, we have a problem!!!!

In the midst of the bustling city the IFI is often a place of tranquility, a place where you are not likely to see lots of Tourists or tons of teenagers as in all the Multiplex Cinemas. They have a nice and comfortable café with big wooden tables where you can get a good tea and some cake or a burger with salad and Guinness. In comparison to other cinemas with their sticky coca cola floors and the reek of popcorn the IFI is a paradise for the cinéaste. I am a fan of their movie program. I have seen all sorts of movies and film festivals there. I remember crude Korean fantasy movies that you wouldn't see anywhere else. Every now and then they will have a German week, a French festival, a Woody Allan retrospective or a "Horrorthon" with directors giving a nerdy speech. This is the stuff cinema lovers like me dream about. I find the toilets always a bit nightmarish. The cinema staff can be as grumpy and oblivious as in other cinemas. Once I stood in a long queue ready to pay and I could see that one of the ladies who were selling the tickets was quite busy with her Facebook. The seating is rather old and uncomfortable, especially in the smaller viewing room. But maybe all these things add to the rough and artsy concept in a way. You just have to suffer a bit when you want to appreciate art. That's always been the case in western society.

The cafe does a good coffee and a big mug of Americano is only €2.30. They also offer a lunch menu at €10 per dish or €13 including a glass of wine. The buffalo wings are really good as are the omelette's! There is an outside smoking area too with six tables but lots of seating space! There is always some thing interesting going on here, some sort of festival or programme of great shorts, films, documentaries, etc. Annual membership is only €25 or €15 concessions so is really worth it as you get a lot for your money and you are helping a great institution as well! Otherwise admission is normally €7.75 early or €9.20 late showing. It is also just a really great place to chill and people watch as this is where a lot of meetings happen between writers, directors and actors in the courtyard, over a brownie and glass of wine! Check it out!

I love the multiplex cinemas; but, I'll take a smaller venue for movie screenings any day. The IFI reminds me of the 'Landmark' theaters at home - where I'd frequent to watch independent, cult classic, and/or foreign films. This spot is a jewel because it offers so much more than a big screen. There's a cafe and a central area where peeps gather to sip coffee, chat with friends, pick up tickets, or just mill around with other patrons. I really love that classic films are shown somewhat frequently. A big fan of black and white movies, I had the opportunity to view "Rebecca" and "Roman Holiday". What a treat! There's something 'retro hip' about this spot - it's super cool! Quiet please ... the movie's starting :)

The IFI is the place to go if you are interested in alternative, independent and foreign films. This is strictly art-house so you will be sure to get some queer looks if you ask about the latest Transformers movie. The building that houses the IFI has plenty of character with high ceilings and natural stone interior. The restaurant and bar are vibrant and there is always a buzz in the air - perfect for a pre or post movie drink or nibble. You may notice neighbouring tables full of arty folk enwrapped in conversation/gesturing wildly, dissecting the plot of the latest Georgian noir film. The IFI certainly attracts such film buffs, nerds, aficionados - whatever you want to call them - but, as already noted, all are welcome and I've never detected any artistic snobbery there. Keep an eye out for film festivals and post-movie discussions - the premiere of environmental film, 'The Age of Stupid' was featured here earlier this year with a panel discussion and talk by the producer.

The IFI is great for limited release pictures and arthouse cinema. They also run a good bit of stuff in conjunction with various film festivals and the like, but don't expect to get to see 'Ghosts of Girlfriends Past' here. They've a nice little coffee shop and book store with a wealth of material for the average film nut, in the IFI aas well as the two screens in the main area. Perhaps the stuff they show can be a little bit too pretentious for it's own good and the seats in screen one are a bit crap, but overall, the IFI is a pretty worthwhile cinema for Dublin to have if you ask me.

When I'm at IFI I feel like I'm home. I'm not overwhelmed by 3D, 4D, popcorn, noise. I'm not distracted, content prevails over form. IFI is also a metalocus where time is relative: you take a seat and feel like you are watching a movie in the 70s. Atmosphere is lo-fi, but not in a pretentious way. Screening selection is accurate and diverse, plus IFI is openly committed to the promotion of Irish films, which I admire and support. If you find yourself in Temple Bar, take the time to pay a visit, and enjoy a good film in a stylish and no-frills environment you may never forget.

I have to agree with other Yelpers when they claim that the Irish Film Institute is the best place to see a movie in Dublin. The IFI must have a zero-tolerance for crap because I've never seen a bad movie here. They show a lot of lesser known titles with a good mix of Irish and foreign films. There are other things to do at the IFI besides watching a movie. The restaurant/bar/cafe can keep you entertained or you can waste time in the bookshop. In fact, the bookshop sells a good selection of DVDs and sometimes has the occasional sale. Instead of buying a DVD full cost, you can purchase a pre-owned one here for a lot less.

The IFI was the first cinema that really got me into films, not movies but films. The kind of films you want to watch when you are a pretentious student and want to show off to other pretentious students. The hallowe'en horrorthon also had a massive appeal to me as a big, spooky goth. It still does if I'm honest. Nowadays, I still enjoy going there, not for the pretentiousness of saying I go but to watch genuinely important cinema releases that you may not get to see in mainstream cinemas. The ambiance is quite relaxed and they have a nice cafe there but the service is too slow so I never go there anymore as I just get frustrated and crabby pre-cinema. Another downside of the cinema is that it is snackless! You can't buy popcorn. For me popcorn at the cinema is a must. It's a little indulgent treat to snack on while you are watching the first ten minutes of the film. I asked a staff member before why they didn't serve popcorn yet allowed people to bring coffee and wine into screenings and he said "it's an art house cinema". The lighthouse is an art house cinema too and they make great popcorn.

This is another coffee-only review so I can't give the 5 stars just yet as it wouldn't be realistic. The mammy and I came here, looking for a coffee but wanting something a little different. We took it from the kiosk rather than sitting inside the café and sat in the foyer watching the cinema-goers queue up. There's a very cool vibe to this place, I couldn't help imagining it would be an awesome place to have an office Christmas party or something like that. There's also an Oscar and an Emmy in a box in the foyer, so I was a little starstruck by that. The coffee was just perfect, and we sampled some lemon cake that was to die for, so I'll definitely be back for more of that.

Lovely place to watch a film and always has a great choice of independents, international films and specialist festivals. Just has a really nice vibe.

great place to watch a film and Im a fan of independents so I joined today to support great places like this. It was crazy today with secondary school students who seemingly during the day are their main customers. Reason enough for me not to go during the day. The noise was unbelievable and shouting etc. However that said as soon as the bar/restaurant area opened and the lovely waiter Ryan lit the fire the atmosphere in this section was much better. So I sat and ate and had a couple of Irish coffee's for a couple of hours. Its a funny clientele during the day. Pensioners mixed in with arty people. The food wasnt top notch but well presented. The salad was soggy from either too much dressing or really I got the feeling it was yesterdays salad. The goats cheese on toast was very nice though and the best part. I would not order this again. My son had wings, loved them and thick chips with honey mustard dressing. He loved that also. I didnt. The Irish coffee was excellent but the cream is where it was let down. Cream in Irish coffee's should not be as thick as butter. All in all it was a nice afternoon and Dublin is raining and cold today so a nice break. Ill return. The waitstaff are great. The box office staff were the most sourly bunch Ive ever come across, even though I was buying a membership. Barely acknowleging customers presence.

I truly adore this place. It's the one place that always makes me feel like going to watch a film is an utter treat. Walking off the cobbled stoned road into it's impressive atrium always gets me excited. My friend who is a film buff meets with me at least once a month to educate me on all things film, they show some great stuff. I love meeting in the cafe there first for coffee and cake... It's always buzzing with interesting people there to watch the next showing or just to enjoy the yummy food at the cafe. The last film we went to see was, The Girlfriend Experience, very interesting to say the least. I could not think of a better place to watch such an experimental film and with a crowd that is nonplussed by film that is sometimes left of centre. I just have to go next week... Oh and trust me on this, an excellent choice for a date.

I love this place! Reasons, being: 1. It serves good food and is seriously CHEAP! [esp for evening time when every restaurant in dublin is a rip off unless you've bagged a citydeal....] 2. It's got a great atmosphere, and is usually buzzing with a mixed [but decent] crowd. 3. The films are quirky and you feel like you are doing something a bit different FOR ONCE [maybe it's just me...pirates of the caribbean 17 anyone?] [Please note i have seen a few SHIT films here. Like, oh-my-god-i-just-wasted-3-hours-and-i-have-no-idea-what-was-going-on style. Still, you feel a bit "deadly" saying "oh i went to see a french film in the IFI. I am too cool". Result: Like. much.

Seen as I have never even watched a movie here I feel my review may be less than comprehensive. However, I do regularly frequent the café which deserves a review all of its own. The main café area is very pleasant and airy due to its high glass roof. The service is excellent and all the staff seem genuinely pleased to be working there. Out the back there is a nice outdoor area with plenty of room and canopies for the rainy days. The food and drink is where the IFI really comes into its own. Very reasonable and absolutely delicious are two phrases I would use. I ate possibly the tastiest burger I've had in years here, served with homemade chips and a coffee for just over €12! The coffee itself is very nice and always perfectly made no matter how busy the barista is. Quite refreshing when a busy café can mean your coffee gets thrown at you. A great place to stop in for a coffee alone or with a friend and - if you don't feel like cooking after a hard days work - a cheap and satisfying meal.

Cinema and Food. Food and Cinema. The type of place that every city needs. I have been in the restaurant once and the food is good. You can always find characters in the place having a dinner or lunch on their own and relaxing. That is all about. They have a menu with vegetarian options and with burgers, chicken and stuff. Chips are good and Falafel is good. People that work there are nice and specially a guy that is very helpful and makes you feel very comfortable. The Hateful 8, The Revenant, Spotlight and more. Cinema is always good and the one of the rooms is specially cool. Rooms with an old theatre taste should be compulsory. I am looking forward to seeing any of the old classics that they have in their programme. Great place to go.

By far, the best place in Dublin to see a movie. The Irish Film Institute and Theatre is housed in a gorgeous building, with a beautiful covered courtyard with a restaurant and bar. They show a variety of foreign,independent, and classic films on their (as I recall) 4 screens. Their only flaw is the lack of popcorn. If you enjoy more than a couple movies here a year, membership is a great deal, offering discounts for you AND your guests in both the restaurant and in the theater. The IFI is one of Dublin's best assets.

The heart of cinema in the heart of Dublin! The IFI is my favourite cinema by a long mile. The film selection, and helpful staff always make for a great visit. The Cafe Bar is a great spot to hang out, and actually has some of the nicest and best priced food and drinks on offer anywhere in Temple Bar, let alone for a cinema cafe. They regularly endorse and encourage movie marathons with the varied range of festivals they run throughout the year, and they offer a very rewarding Member's loyalty scheme.

The IFI, alongisde the Lighthouse, are my two favourite cinemas within Dublin. Not like the big chain names of cinemas, the IFI offers something different in terms of style, ambience and the selection of films they show. The big open spaced foyer offers the entrance into a cafe/bar where you can get snacks, hot/cold drinks and also more substantial meals if you so wish before and after the film. The selection of films within the IFI is fantastic. They offer the standard arty films but have a smattering of great alternatives that wouldn't be showing anywhere else. This interspersed with regular film festivals from other countries and genres to really get the cinematic thrill going. Screens vary in size from very comfortable (think sitting in your living room!) to larger standard rooms for the bigger releases. All screens I have been to have comfortable seating and great views from wherever I have sat. Great vibe throughout, even if there just for a cup of coffee :)

Seriously--become a member of the IFI. Why? Free tickets. There's discounts, too, but you can get straight-up free tickets to exclusive film showings. Screw the "exclusive" element--the important part is that it's free! It's like they're emailing you free money. Just this week I got a pair of free tickets to an Austrian film called "Revanche" (which was totally awesome--bank heist goes wrong, prostitute gets killed, old man plays an accordion.) What did I have to do to get these free tickets? Respond to an email. It's that simple.

The Irish Film Institute (IFI) is a popular art house cinema in the Temple Bar quarter of Dublin. Its location within Temple Bar is pertinent on account of the IFI and this alternative district of Dublin both exuding the same alternative and eccentric disposition. Dumping a Cineworld in the middle of this 'cultural' milieu is a premise that couldn't possess more nonsensicality if it tried. The structural design of the IFI is very attention grabbing. The building is a tall, glass structure that exudes modernity. Its unconventional construction parallels the avant-garde nature of the films shown. What makes the building seem even more intriguing is knowing that it used to be an old Quaker Meeting House. This contrast between the old and new is as captivating as it is very funny. The IFI shows independent and foreign language films that don't see wider distribution through the commercial multiplexes. It also runs a number of film festivals throughout the year. One of the key aims of the IFI is to increase the range of films available to Irish audiences. New releases, national seasons, directors' retrospectives, festivals and special events have been regular features of the annual programme, with the number of films screened rising to the present level of over 400 a year. There are two cinemas; Cinema 1 has a capacity of 258 while the smaller Cinema 2 has a capacity of 104. Both cinemas are wheelchair accessible and both are equipped with a sound loop that hearing aid users can access by switching their hearing aids to the 'T' position. The IFI provides a platform for debate and acts as a meeting place for a variety of groups. A successful series of public interviews has brought many international filmmakers to IFI audiences over the years, including John Woo, Peter Greenaway, Dennis Hopper, Atom Egoyan, Sydney Pollack, Tim Roth, Joel Schumacher and Claude Miller. On Tuesday night I went to see U2's The Edge introduce the premier screening of 'It Might Get Loud' - a 2009 documentary exploring the history of the electric guitar. Attracting this level of 'celebrity' further highlights the clout this film institute enjoys. The bookshop has established a reputation throughout the country for its wide selection of books on Irish Film and its range of Irish and world cinema on video and DVD. The bar and restaurant have also provided a focal point for many people, film community and general public alike. What makes the IFI experience really special is that it expands your mind. I feel intellectually stimulated by the impartial and sometimes outlandish films on show that don't summon themselves to populist mentality and thus are some of the most interesting pieces of work you will see. This sensation of 'culture' at your fingertips is unlike any other and that's why I truly adore this institution.

Always wanted to go there and finally did. This place has a great vibe, especially, with its' old fashioned theme. The interesting part about it, is the range of movies they play from international to english movies. They also have a cafe and a restuarant which i have not tried yet, but, I will for sure.

Saint Patrick's night in Temple Bar; one word - bedlam. The IFI cafe was an oasis with a relaxing atmostphere and a nice offering of food and drink. We shared the 'continental Meat and Cheese Platter' which was generously portioned and reasonably priced. Nice ambiance, great service and friendly clientele. We did not have time to see a film but if I lived in Dublin would definitely be a regular.

i go to the IFI quite alot and i have never have a bad experience. the food is tasty, varied, reasonable priced. waiting staff are friendly, attentive and prompt. the bar staff are the same and the manager knows how to run the place, he's friendly and professional with the customers and values the regulars. the surroundings are great, casual yet with a touch of Parisian class, warm, comfortable and romantic (if you want it to be!). over all, one of my favorite places to eat n hang out.

I remember this place to be nicer... When I arrived in looking for a nice hearty lunch, myself and my colleague picked up a menu from one of the tables and went inside with it. Before our bums hit the seats, our waiter had it safely clasped and moved it back. He did not seem pleased with our menu moving, not one bit. He placed the cutlery in a big pile, but lovingly tidied the menus at our table. I think he hearted them. At least more than serving the quiet lunch crowd at least. The burgers were a little cold, and I thought the veggie option was nut from the menu, but it turned out to be falafel. There wasn't enough flavour in it. Between that, the big toasted bun and the chips.... It. was just too much carbs and just not that satisfying. There's a few other options on the menu and the special sounded lovely. I'm sure at some stage I'll give it another bash, if only to sit by their cozy fire while waiting for my arty film to start.

The food there is nothing to get excited about. The coffee aint bad. As a member for years I am here often so have gotten used to it and ignore most things about it as I am there only to see films. Seats are not great and can be cramped in certain screens but in general very happy to have this place in the city centre. Great selection of independent and alternative film.

Another rainy day in Dublin and no plans? Spend it at the IFI, there's everything you need! The cafe is great to while away hours, no one looks at you weird even if you just have a coffee or a glass of wine (there's free water you can serve yourself from). If you get hungry, they have a nice and varied menu with small and big things to eat (I really like their veggy lasagne and the burgers are pretty good too, and huge!), and the food is always good value. The waiters might not be the most prompt but they're always friendly. The well-sorted shop is great for browsing, and I always end up buying some dvds of films I either had been wanting to watch forever, or didn't even know I really wanted to see until that day. And of course the movie programme! The IFI shows some great quality films, mostly European, but not exclusively (they did show Inception!). I could randomly stop by the IFI and there'd most likely be something interesting to watch. I also love their film festivals (by country, documentaries,...) In short: the IFI provides some serious high quality entertainment. The membership scheme is a great deal: you get 1€ off every movie ticket (on additional tickets too) and 10% discount in the cafe and the store. And they send you their monthly schedule magazine by post, which contains really well-written write ups. Plus it's a good feeling to be supporting a cool "place of culture" like the IFI ;) Of course the seats aren't exactly the most comfortable, particularly in the small old cinema, but who needs comfort when there's so much flair...

Went with a friend to see The Shop Around the Corner at the IFI. I had never been to the IFI but the entryway had a cool minimalist decor. People were sitting around enjoying coffees and it seemed pleasant enough. Walking by and checking the posters, there is always a good selection of classics and niche art films showing here. Even though there isn't a huge selection at any one time, I enjoy it that way. Kind of like a throwback to the mid-century era when people would ask, 'What's playing at the cinema?' instead of showing up and choosing from 20 options. It's more of a destination with purpose that way--a treat you can look forward to. Seeing Margaret Sullavan's impeccable fashion sense and Jimmy Stewart's incredible charm and lilting drawl on the big screen was great and I wouldn't have experienced that without the IFI. How was one man so incredibly handsome?

When I was in first year in college, studying media arts (class of '09 rock, class of '10 suck cock - Rónán!!), our film studies lecturer encouraged us to join the IFI. I felt very impressed with myself, all grown up and cultured, getting my yearly membership. The yearly membership cost €15 euro, for which you got one film pass, an email once a month and an exemption from paying the €1 daily membership that non-members would have to pay when seeing a film there (this is because, in the eyes of the law, the IFI operates as a film club, as that means that they watch films that have not yet been rated and approved for viewing by the then Irish Film Censor, now Irish Film Classification Office. My, hasn't Ireland grown up loads in the last little while?) However, over the course of the year, I was very busy, what with being a fresher and drinking myself stupid every night, so my more cerebral pursuits such as watching Serbian films had to take a back seat. In the end, I only actually went to the IFI once over the course of my membership (to see Rian Johnson's rather excellent debut feature, "Brick"). So for my fifteen euro, I got to see one film, and had to empty my inbox slightly more frequently than I would have had to otherwise. All of the above might put you under the impression that I'm quite down on the IFI. I really amn't. I just don't think that a membership was the right way to go for someone with as hectic a schedule as mine. The IFI as a cinema is very good. They have one big screen where they show more popular films, and one small one where they tend to show more arty stuff. They often run good director seasons: recently, they had a Kubrick season, and they had a screening of 2001: A Space Odyssey, which was attended by the guy who played Dave. And best of all in my book, there is no concession stand, because I f*cking hate in other cinemas when you're sitting next to people chomping noisily on popcorn and m&ms the whole way through the goddamn film. Hey, how about that for an elitist sentiment? All this going to the IFI is rubbing off on me.

Central location and amazing building with a glass roof and stone walls. I love meeting friends here for a coffee, which is really nice by the way. You can ask for a WIFI card as well which allows you for an hour's free connection, if Eircom's hot spot's working that day ! The only thing I might say that can be not so good is that I feel it is short staffed and I usually need to chase a waiter to be served. It does have the pleasant flipside that no one will clear your table or interrupt you while you are having that so-important conversation with your friend. As per the cinema part...brilliant, best cinema in central Dublin with a great selection

During my days as a film student, I frequently spent hours thumbing the excellent selection of film theory books that the IFI has to offer as well as the poster section. The one drawback was the expense of everything. In particular the cafe part has always seemed ridiculously overpriced and the food never lived up to my expectations. The actual cinema itself is a wonderful experience, especially as you can catch screenings of old films in all their splendour. It works to the IFI's advantage to be situated in Temple Bar as the old cobbled streets of Dublin can be found at its doors. A good experience for film viewing but a bit too expensive overall.

I love the IFI, I really do. There's always a great selection of obscure foreign films, classics, and indie movies we wouldn't get to see in Dublin on the big screen otherwise. The film festivals range from typical national-cinema themes such as the regular French Film Festival, the annual Halloween Horrorthon or the current Action Movies 101, which featured one of my all-time favourites, Die Hard, my first opportunity to see it on the big screen. I'm still slightly resentful of the menu changes and refurbishments which were done in 2010 (I know, I know, but when I love something, I hate to see change). I miss the stuffed mushrooms very, very much. But the IFI cafe still has the cheapest pot of tea in town and the best thick-cut chips by a long shot. I feel the bruschetta and a few other dishes are a bit mean for the price asked though, although it's not expensive by a long shot. The shop is pretty good too and has often been the source of a film that otherwise I would only have been able to get online. Great book selection too.

I've been here a few times and I always enjoy it. They screen mainly non mainstream films, documentaries, world cinema etc. Whoever chooses the films that are screened does a very good job, I don't go to the cinema often but every film I've seen here has been really interesting, different and top quality, even if they're not high budget Hollywood films. Tickets are reasonably priced, except there's a euro extra charge if you go see a non classified film or something like that, which I thought was weird. For even better value, become an annual member (only 20€ if I'm not mistaken) and then you get discounts on every ticket. The cinemas here are smaller than most commercial cinemas I think, which makes it cosier and not too packed usually. As for the cafe, I can't speak for the food, but I paid something like 2.50 for a 200ml bottle of water, talk about exorbitant. That aside, if you enjoy non commercial, quality cinema, definitely check out what's on at the IFI.

The IFI is like a cinema for grownups. Sure you've got your arty films, but you also have your Evil Dead Marathons and cheesy action movie nights. What makes it a grownup cinema? It's got a bar that serves some pretty nifty food!. This is where I go to watch movies now for one simple reason, you can actually make a decent evening of it. Have a bite to eat and a quick drink then head in for a movie. Put simply, if you're fed up of having to deal with sticky floors, overpriced food and armies of children being herded by frazzled parents then come here.

The IFI is really cool place. Great central location in Temple Bar. They've a very good selection of mainstream as well as world films which is a nice variation from the norm. Lovely arty atmosphere to the place, that includes the people that go here and the posters :) Really comfy seats, beautiful interior, very theatre feel to it, not like your average cinema! Free WiFI :)

I really like this place. It's cosy, has great atmosphere, serves fantastic coffee and the food is yummy too. I went there with a friend to watch a movie. Since we had arrived early we decided to have dinner first. Both of us ordered Falafel in Pitta and were not disappointed. Good food for a decent priced, topped with delicious coffee (I am a sucker for good cappuccino) and a great movie. Heart, what more do you need for a good relaxed night out?

Started coming to the IFI around about 2000, lured by either Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon or Shadow of a Vampire, whichever one it was I was charmed by the place and the airy stylish building it's housed in, and since then I've seen a wider cross section of films, from controversial or challenging affairs to offbeat intelligent Euro work, and classic films you wouldn't get the chance to experience in a multiplex. The Institute's clear affection for the medium and high standards in every aspect of the moviegoing process puts it head and shoulders above the competition. THere's no half-assed melted cheese and nachos dispenser or popcorn strewn floors here. Throughout the year the selection of film festivals and cream of the crop of world cinema found here bring the punters back and have them pass the word of what's on offer. Many filmmakers have made appearances and held talks about their work. I've sat in screenings and listened to the likes of Tim Robbins, Susan Sarandon, Kenneth Anger, Duncan Jones and more. Rounding off the things you won't get anywhere else is the feature of the IFI's compreshensive shop where books on every aspect of moviemaking, DVDs from each and every genre to magazines like Sight and Sound can be picked up as you leave, or on arriving. Seating outside the screens themselves is ample, with a smoking/non-smoking area outside. One of the city's finest movie houses by a long shot.

If you're a fan of offbeat movies, independent film, or foreign languages, a trip to the IFI can be truly fulfilling. Although there are copious amounts of the stereotypical film buffs, there's a genuinely diverse population who come in to watch a movie. They never show blockbusters (indeed, that must be a banned word here!), and their choice is, by and large, impeccable. A major perk for me is the fact that many of the films are accompanied by discussion groups, presentations and lectures, either by the director/screenwriter, or by people involved in whatever topic the movie may have dealt with. For example, having seen a documentary on Femi Kuti, a renowned Nigerian musician who is noted for his political outspokenness and father's legacy, I was invited to a talk on Nigeria afterwards. The ability to delve deeper into issues is a sure plus, while the screen itself is intimate and never houses teens intent on a bit of action up the back!

I can't recommend this place enough. Theater and pub/food in a lovely old restored warehouse. You will not be sorry.

This cinema always reminds me of being in a library. A lot of the clientele seem to wear tweed and if you shake your maltesers to loudly they'll give you the strangest looks. However, don't let this put you off, It's actually a cool establishment with lots to offer. Home to the Irish film archive, the IFI doesn't do main stream movies; instead it screens some of the best movies in world cinema. Checking their timetable is a bit like taking a dip in a lucky bag, you never know what your going to find and you probably wont know what the hell it is. However, your selection could just be one of the greatest things you've ever seen! Their themed film festivals are also really cool with the annual Horrorthon and directorial collections being my favorite. Ticket prices are more than fair and it also boasts a DVD & book shop, restaurant and bar. The food is great and the bar even has a nice atmosphere. If you like movies be sure to join their members club, getting the time table posted to your door and 10% off all your purchases is a very good deal.

This update is about the cinema itself, rather than the food. Here again, I find it a little disappointing. It is way overpriced and a lot of the films I want to see are shown too early. I wonder who can make a 3 or 4 o'clock showing, apart from the unemployed or students skipping classes. But this is where I get my french film fix, and their DVD shop is excellentm hence the 3 stars.

A great place to see a great film, especially if you're an out-of-towner staying nearby. The anack bar includes extra goodies like pastries and is licensed to sell alcohol.

This is a great wee cinema, small and intimate. You can see all the stuff that other cinema's ignore, which is great for opening in the mind but occasionally you're reminded why it isn't on show anywhere else. The seasons are the best bit though. The chance to see classic films in a cinema, the way they were meant to be seen, is something not to be missed.

The Irish Film Institute is mostly known for showing independent and international movies, but they also do open-air cinema during the summer and I tend to go there because it usually has some great offers on unusual DVDs- including foreign language movies- and books on movies and movie greats. The cafe in here is fab as well, they make a very good coffee and the pastries are yummy as well. You can easily spend an hour or two in here, even though the chairs aren't that comfortable. Anyhow, just wanted to mention that the IFI has more to offer than just movies.

A small addition to the other review here: there are two membership options: a year membership that gives you a small discount (1 euro) on many tickets, and also a 10% discount on food and stuff bought from the bookshop (which also has a lovely DVD collection). You will also get info about new screenings in your mail, and may avail of members-only free screenings! If you don't want that, you can just pay the normal fee for a ticket, which buys you a "1 evening membership"... The cafe is really nice, but unfortunately can be quite slow. Waiters might forget about you, mix up orders from different tables, charge you more than they are supposed to etc. If you have an IFI member's card, present it when you order, or you won't get a discount.

The cinemas at the Irish Film Centre are not massive (although the main screen is still a decent size) but they're both very comfortable and it's nice having a proper bar and cafe attached. Art house fare is the order of the day at this cinema so it's always a good bet for non-commercial films.