The Stella Theatre - the Cinema where the movies are not the only experience

About The Stella Theatre

Cinemas are cinemas, and something that will not be featured too often on Weekend Ireland because we all know they exist but The Stella Theatre is a cinema with a twist! Weekend Ireland is all about doing something a little different than the norm, so were here to give you the run down on one of Dublin's most aesthetically beautiful cinematic experiences.

It opened its doors in 1923 and was simply called 'The Stella'. Back then it had the capacity for over 1,200 people and was Ireland's largest cinema! However, it was put up for sale in 2015 for €1.75m and the buyers mission was to restore The Stella to its original state and art deco style. Upon its door reopening the re-imagined Stella was born.

Fans of movies like Bugsy Malone or the Great Gatsby will simple adore the feel of this Cinema because it's like stepping back in time to an era that was simpler and less based around technology. When you enter the small foyer, you can pick your tickets up at a modern, automated collection point but apart from that and the staff tills, that's where the modern technology ends.

There's popcorn, soft-drink's, snacks and the usual cinema fare on offer, but you also have a menu where you can order cooked food where an attendant will bring it to your table during the movie. And for someone like me that's so used to modern cinema, this was a brand new experience for me which I thoroughly enjoyed.

The food is good, and very reasonably priced, not something you expect, again from a modern day cinema where they make most of their money on the snacks and that was a very welcome surprise as I expected to pay more. You can order beers, alcoholic drink, cocktails etc and they can all be brought to your table.

As we made our way down the short hall to the screen, we could see the attendant waiting at the door, ready to show us to our seats. As you enter the screening you see what the fuss is all about! The only way I can describe this cinema is 'grand', and I don't mean the Irish meaning of grand which translates to just 'Fine'. This Cinema is grand as in grandiose, stunning, and beautiful. The light from the table lamps and the old style screen with curtains really set the scene. In addition, the red leather chairs, carpet increase the ambience and your experience here.

Once you sit down in your big and very comfortable armchair, and you will be pleasantly surprised to find a leather foot stool in front of you which you can open up to store bags and jackets so that they are not in the way.

The table with the lamp is right beside you to pop your drinks and snacks onto. Pop your shoes off, sit back and relax.

My only issue with the Stella, (and its a very minor issue) is the sound of the movie is not on par with a modern day cinema. This could be due to factors out of the owners control. It is an old building and although it was designed as a cinema, I'm sure in the 1920's there was not a major amount of design placed around sound engineering. Sure they didn't even have stereo. So I would assume the owners have tried to overcome this issue and have done their best to make the sound quality as high as possible. With that said, it wouldn't turn me off in the slightest.

We went to see "The Matrix" a movie loved by many, and one I hadn't seen in a very long time so it was a pleasure to see this classic modern movie in this classic vintage setting.

Our food arrived maybe 15 minutes into the movie. We got monkfish tacos and parmesan cheese on fries. The portions were big and it was well cooked and very tasty. After I finished the food I just slipped into my very comfortable chair, popped my feet back up, digested and enjoyed the rest of the Movie.

The tickets are a little pricier than your regular cinema but I really think when you enter the cinema and get a feel for the place, the atmosphere, and the service, you will be more than happy to part money with your hard earned cash. They have a bar upstairs if you want more of their delicious cocktails after the movie is over.

So all in all, the Stella is a great new cinema experience for anyone. Whether you like new or classic movies, they show both. There are also kids movies on in the mornings at the weekends. It's unique, fun, and its something you can definitely enjoy this weekend in Ireland.

Price: €19 for an adult ticket

Location: Rathmines, 20 minutes from Dublin City Centre, find the location here

To learn more about the Cinema or just book some tickets, you can visit their website here.