Smithfield is a buzzing area. First and foremost, the most recent Lighthouse Cinema that offers foreign films galore is attracting everyone from far and wide.

It’s a custom-built four-screen cinema with a 614-seat capacity, lending itself to the intimacy and intensity of the particular films on show. The four screens will allow for enormous flexibility in terms of film showing, and what’s on offer delivers a wide choice of films to attract any cinema-goer.

This new venue offers stunning, imaginative architecture, and as the original architect Colin Mackay said “The organisation and distribution of the screens will allow patrons to walk over, under and around the forms, affording an alternative and dramatic cinema experience.”

The Old Lighthouse Cinema on Abbey Street, Dublin 1, closed in 1996. This new addition to Dublin’s central hub is extremely popular and will hopefully breathe some life into this up-and-coming Smithfield development.

This area has had its share of difficulties in attempting to create a sense of community and activity around all the new swish buildings, but now with the Lighthouse and the quirky art gallery alongside, the area has taken on a new dimension. Smithfield also lends itself to horse fairs and lots of activity on a regular basis.

It has taken the Lighthouse Cinema almost 12 years to get up and running. An Taisce described it as a ‘cultural beacon’ in the north inner city. It was very rewarding to know that a lot of support was given by the cultural cinema consortium for the project to get up and running.

The Lighthouse Cinema delivers a special night out for any one in its intimate surroundings. The films are adaptable to any taste, and appeal to audiences looking for new, exciting films that are a bit different, and a bit special with unknown directors hoping to make their mark.

In general, the Lighthouse Cinema and the foyer have a very welcoming atmosphere. There is a lovely foyer alongside a cafè bar at ground floor which is completely wheelchair accessible. There are also lifts which provide access to the four auditioria at every level. The staff are friendly and courteous and are happy to deal with any questions.

The Lighthouse has without a doubt carved a rich and distinctive niche for itself and is providing an invaluable contribution to the artistic life of the city.