If watching a flick at your nearest multiplex is not for you, try these posh venues. There’s still time to book in for an intimate Valentine’s Day screening or overnight stay …
Glenlo Abbey Hotel & Estate, Galway
With 15 new super-comfy velvet chairs set on three tiers in an intimate room surrounded by dark mahogany panelling, the Abbey Movie Theatre is just another superior way to relax at Glenlo Abbey (if you’re not on the golf course, in the Glo spa, enjoying a falconry lesson or sampling its afternoon tea). The programme for film screenings, at 7pm and 10pm, changes regularly and runs the gamut from classics to rom coms. Guests are given popcorn and can also order some cocktails or food from the lounge menu. The theatre can be booked for private screenings too, or enjoyed as part of the current “Spring Orient Express” package. This includes overnight accommodation and breakfast in The River Room, a complimentary cocktail and a four-course supper aboard the iconic Pullman restaurant with access to the Abbey Movie Theatre. From €229 per person sharing; www.glenloabbeyhotel.ie.
The Montenotte, Cork
In keeping with the arty vibe of this boutique hotel, the private in-house Cameo Cinema screens films daily at 5pm and 9pm from Monday to Friday and at 5pm and 8pm over the weekend. A list of the films on offer is posted in reception. This weekend, for example, guests can enjoy screenings of Roman Holiday, Cyrano, The Notebook and Baz Luhrmann’s Romeo & Juliet. There’s also a new Champagne Lunch and Cinema experience, €75 per person, or a “Dinner and Movie” package which includes a three-course meal in the Panorama Bistro followed by the current film, for €45 per person. For a special treat, I’d recommend an overnight stay to fully enjoy the facilities which include the top-notch Bellevue Spa, The Glasshouse rooftop bar and The Panorama Terrace – both perfect for enjoying views over Cork and the hotel’s Victorian gardens. Room rates start from €245 which includes breakfast, free parking, access to both Cameo Cinema and The Motion Health Club; www.themontenottehotel.com.
The Bushmills Inn, Co Antrim
With comfortable seating and no queues, the Still Room Cinema at The Bushmills Inn is small and snug, making it perfect for a date night or an evening hangout with friends. It’s a popular venue for hiring – to watch some golf or rugby – or while sipping on some cocktails and enjoying a classic film with friends. An adults’ only venue, screenings vary from week to week. On Thursdays, a special cinema deal is on offer. For £27.50 per person, guests can book a two-course dinner, with a seat in the Still Room and complimentary popcorn. Alternatively, book an overnight stay and enjoy breakfast and a three-course table d’hôte dinner in the restaurant, from £230 per night; www.bushmillsinn.com.
The Heritage, Co Laois
The classic elegance and comfort of The Heritage resort, in the pretty village of Killenard, just over an hour’s drive from Dublin, is reflected in its bijou cinema. Guests can settle in for a date night in the lush, red velvet-upholstered movie theatre with a cocktail and plenty of popcorn from the in-house stand, with a varied choice of family films to watch. Book “The Easter Escape”, €585, a two-night stay which includes breakfast with dinner on one evening. Upon arrival a chilled bottle of wine and an Easter Treat Box will be waiting in your room. There’s plenty of time to watch the Easter-themed films too; www.theheritage.com.
Mount Juliet Estate, Co Kilkenny
From classics to blockbusters, the Mount Juliet Manor House’s exclusive cinema screens two different films every day at 6pm and at 9pm, with a constantly changing programme. Enjoy five-star fun with deep velvet armchairs, comfy footrests and complimentary snacks and soft drinks. Private hire is also available, for groups of up to twelve guests. The cinema is exclusive to guests of the estate and has a strictly over 18s policy. Book an overnight stay with breakfast and complimentary use of the health club for €180; www.mountjuliet.ie.
The Devlin, Dublin 6
Accessed via the lower ground floor of The Devlin, the Stella Cinema Ranelagh is a 44-seater cinema with a state-of-the-art sound system and beautiful décor including mid-century armchairs and side tables. The programme focuses on indie and arthouse style movies as well as highlighting Irish film where possible. Coming up this Valentine’s weekend films include Ghost, The Great Gatsby, Before Sunrise and Grease. The Whale has also been confirmed (up to February 16) and there are also screenings of the Royal Opera House Live season (The Barber of Seville, Turandot, Cinderella, The Marriage of Figaro, Sleeping Beauty and Il Travatore will be screened between February 15 and June 13). Guests can enjoy cocktails and food with screenings, or why not stay overnight? The Devlin “Wrapped Up” offer includes tickets to the Stella Ranelagh with popcorn, one cocktail per person in Americana, a three-course meal in Layla’s and breakfast next morning. From €149 per person; www.thedevlin.ie.
K Club, Co Kildare
Did you know there is a posh private cinema room in Straffan House, on the grounds of The K Club? This luxe private residence is modelled on a château at Louveciennes, not far from Versailles. It features ten bedrooms and, when hired, comes with butler service and a private chef, and your own dedicated housekeeper and concierge. In addition to the supremely comfortable private cinema with lush red velvet reclining chairs, digital screen and Bose surround sound system, this property also features a private swimming pool with hand-painted murals and its own swim-up bar. There’s also a gym and private spa, games room and a wine cellar making it a great place for multigenerational family trips or private parties. A three-night minimum stay applies and includes all meals, snacks and treats, and unlimited golf on the Palmer North and Palmer South courses; www.kclub.ie.
Adare Manor, Co Limerick
With a 140” wide screen, deep comfortable seats and elegant surrounds, the cinema at Adare Manor screens two complimentary showings daily. These include a family matinee at 4.30pm and an evening show at 9.30pm. There’s also a movie night menu (think beef sliders, hot dogs, pizza and nachos) and the option of private viewings, which can be arranged twice daily at €300 per viewing. Overnight stays are from €650; www.adaremanor.com.
Ashford Castle, Co Mayo
Not only have actors Pierce Brosnan, Russell Crowe, Jack Nicholson, Brad Pitt and John Travolta stayed at Ashford Castle, many of them have appeared on screen in its posh cinema room. Inspired by a traditional picture house, it features 32 sumptuous red velvet chairs, with plenty of leg room and an impressive screen, and screens family favourites as well as classics (from Argo to Annie) starting with a drink in the Billiards Room. There’s a special “Night at the Movies” package, from €785 in a Corrib Room. As part of this overnight package guests will enjoy a three-course meal at Cullen’s at the Cottage, a traditional thatched-cottage-turned-restaurant which is on the estate grounds. (The building once housed Cong Cinema and was the first place to show The Quiet Man before it premiered in Hollywood!). Following supper, guests can enjoy a movie in the private screening room with complimentary popcorn and sweets provided. Before checkout, guests will be treated to breakfast in the impressive George V dining room featuring favourites such as carved ham on the bone, Irish smoked salmon, freshly baked breads, local organic honey and porridge with a drop of Irish whiskey; www.ashfordcastle.com.
Other Irish hotels with private cinemas include The Park Kenmare, where its 16-seater Reel Room is much-used for classic films as well as sporting events. I don’t need an excuse to visit the Park Kenmare, but if you do, I can’t think of a better place to watch the upcoming Oscars on March 13; www.parkkenamare.com. In Naas, the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel has a cinema, which holds up to 50 people, and is a perfect venue not only for private screenings but also auctions, training sessions, team building and parties; www.louisfitzgeraldhotel.com. In Dublin, Brooks Hotel, Dublin 2, has a 26-seater screening room – a hidden gem and often used for intimate parties, product launches and poetry readings; www.brookshotel.ie.
