Building on the success of last year’s event, National Cinema Day returns to Ireland this weekend, promising slashed ticket prices and a plethora of family-friendly fun. This annual celebration of cinema will take place on August 31, with an impressive participation rate of over 99% of cinemas nationwide.

Following a remarkable summer at the Irish Box Office, this year’s National Cinema Day offers a fantastic opportunity for audiences to enjoy a diverse range of new and recent releases. From family favorites to critically acclaimed productions, there is something for everyone to enjoy as schools reopen.

Cinemas in every county across the Republic of Ireland will be partaking in this initiative, ensuring that movie lovers can easily access big-screen entertainment right in their home counties. This widespread participation underscores the significant role cinema plays in Irish life and culture.

The Irish film industry has come together to highlight the enduring tradition of going to the movies. This celebration follows an incredible summer spent in front of the big screen, where both foreign and Irish films saw enormous success. Notably, Ireland boasts the highest per capita cinema attendance in Europe and has the highest density of movie theatres per capita, with one theatre for every 10,000 residents.

Colm Bairéad, director of the Oscar-nominated film “An Cailín Ciúin,” expressed his enthusiasm: “It’s wonderful to help celebrate National Cinema Day this year. Since childhood, I’ve loved the magic of immersing myself in stories that entertain or enlighten. It’s a shared experience that brings us together, reminding us of our shared humanity.”

He continued, “We were thrilled to see audiences across Ireland embrace ‘An Cailín Ciúin,’ showing up in their thousands to experience it on the big screen. The cinema is where our stories truly come to life, and National Cinema Day offers a brilliant opportunity to reconnect with this magical experience. Screen Ireland has been immensely supportive of this initiative and will feature special screenings of ‘An Cailín Ciúin’ in select cinemas on this day. We encourage everyone to go and enjoy the day!”

This year’s lineup features a variety of films, including Irish productions like the critically acclaimed horror film “Oddity,” directed by Damian McCarthy; the box office hit “Kneecap”; and highly regarded documentaries such as “Mrs Robinson” and “Notes From Sheepland.” Additional titles include dramas like “Touch,” reimaginings like “The Count of Monte Cristo,” thrillers like “AFRAID,” and classic reprints like “The Italian Job.”

For families, there will be smash hits like “Inside Out 2” and “Despicable Me 4,” as well as popular films such as “Deadpool & Wolverine,” “It Ends With Us,” “Alien: Romulus,” “Trap,” “Blink Twice,” “Cuckoo,” “Twisters,” “A Quiet Place: Day One,” and “The Crow.”

Participating cinema chains include Movies@ Cinemas, Odeon Cinemas, Omniplex Cinemas, Pálás Cinema, Reel Cinemas, Vue Cinemas, Arc Cinemas, Carrick Cineplex, Century Cinemas, Cineworld, Eclipse Cinemas, Eye Cinema, IFI Cinemas, IMC Cinemas, and Light House Cinema.

Mark Doherty, Director of Century Cinemas, expressed his excitement: “We are thrilled to continue receiving support from Screen Ireland for National Cinema Day following last year’s massively popular event. Cinema has been cherished in Irish society for over a century. Alongside most other cinemas in the country, we are delighted to offer €5 tickets for all shows throughout the day, including new releases.”

He urged audiences to book early: “We look forward to seeing everyone come out in their droves on Saturday. Be sure to secure your tickets early to ensure you get into the movie of your choice.”

Tickets are available for purchase through participating cinemas’ websites and at their box offices. Audiences are advised to check local cinema listings or visit www.cinemaday.ie for comprehensive information on screenings at their local cinemas.