Oscars Catch-Up at Light House and Pálás

Awards season is underway, and with the Oscar nominations announced we're bringing back our top picks from this year's nominees ahead of the ceremony on March 2nd.

Light House line-up

THE BRUTALIST

A COMPLETE UNKNOWN

A REAL PAIN

DUNE: PART TWO

NOSFERATU (35MM + DIGITAL)

MARIA

ANORA

CONCLAVE

THE SUBSTANCE

SING SING

NICKEL BOYS

I'M STILL HERE

THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG

WICKED

MEMOIR OF A SNAIL

SOUNDTRACK TO A COUP D'ETAT

THE GIRL WITH THE NEEDLE

BOOK HERE


Pálás line-up

A COMPLETE UNKNOWN

CONCLAVE

DUNE: PART TWO

A REAL PAIN

THE BRUTALIST

NOSFERATU

NICKEL BOYS

THE SEED OF THE SACRED FIG

MEMOIR OF A SNAIL

ANORA

I'M STILL HERE

EMILIA PEREZ

NICKEL BOYS WICKED

BOOK HERE

Movies & news in your inbox

Sign up now
DIFF 2025 Programme Launch at Light House | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

DIFF 2025 Programme Launch at Light House

As February approaches, it can only mean one thing for Dublin film lovers - it's almost time for DIFF!

From world premieres to intimate screenings, exclusive Q&As to parties and celebrations, DIFF offers a unique journey into the world of film, all set against the backdrop of buzz of the Irish capital. On Tuesday, January 28 the DIFF team took to Screen 1 in Light House to launch this year's festival programme which features a wide range of Irish and International films (including the highly-sought-after surprise film). We're thrilled to be hosting many of the screenings at Light House from the opening gala, Uberto Pasolini's THE RETURN which will see Oscar Nominee Ralph Fiennes pay us a visit, to the closing gala, Darren Thornton's FOUR MOTHERS, and many, many more inbetween when the festival runs from February 20 - March 2.

You can check out the full line-up and book your tickets on Dublin International Film Festival's website - diff.ie

You can watch the brilliant trailer for this year's festival HERE

BRING THEM DOWN Q&A with Nora-Jane Noone at Pálás | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

BRING THEM DOWN Q&A with Nora-Jane Noone at Pálás

Directed and co-written by first-time filmmaker Christopher Andrews and featuring standout performances from Oscar-nominee Barry Keoghan (Saltburn, The Banshees of Inisherin), Christopher Abbott (Possessor, Sanctuary) and Nora-Jane Noone (Wildfire, Brooklyn), Bring Them Down is a fierce, muscular debut that signals a bold new cinematic voice.

Michael (Abbott), the last son of a farming family, lives an isolated existence with his ailing, cantankerous father Ray. Burdened by a terrible secret from his past, Michael has isolated himself from the world and dedicates himself to his prized flock. When the ongoing conflict with rival farmer Gary and his wayward and unpredictable son Jack (Keoghan) stirs old tensions and grievances, it triggers a chain of events that take increasingly violent and devastating turns, leaving both families permanently altered.

We are delighted to be joined by star of the film Nora-Jane Noone for a Q&A following a screening of the film on Thursday, February 6.

Tickets are on sale now. Pre-booking is advised:

BOOK NOW

Remembering David Lynch | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

Remembering David Lynch

David Lynch - a filmmaker, a painter, a musician, an artist in the truest sense of the word. The visionary work of David Lynch has inspired so many, far beyond the reaches of cinema and television. The very existence of the term 'Lynchian' is proof that he was able to capture the elusive, subconscious sense that there was something dark, strange and unspoken lurking beneath the mundanity of our lives in a way that nobody had before. Although the darkness is usually front and centre, his films are often humorous and ultimately hopeful. 

Lynch was a great believer in the joys of creativity. And so, we will be celebrating the life of this great, singular creative with a retrospective in both Light House & Pálás.

Light House

ERASERHEAD (from February 8)

BLUE VELVET (from February 15)

MULHOLLAND DRIVE (from March 8)

THE ELEPHANT MAN (from March 9)

TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME (from March 15)

LYNCH/OZ (from March 16)

DUNE (from March 16)

THE SHORT FILMS OF DAVID LYNCH (from March 18)

LOST HIGHWAY (from March 22)

INLAND EMPIRE (from March 23)

WILD AT HEART (from March 29)

THE STRAIGHT STORY 35MM (From March 30)

Pálás

BLUE VELVET (from February 1)

ERASERHEAD (from February 6)

THE ELEPHANT MAN (from February 8)

TWIN PEAKS: FIRE WALK WITH ME (from February 11)

LOST HIGHWAY (from February 19)

MULHOLLAND DRIVE (February 27)

Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story with Director Q&A | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story with Director Q&A

Due to overwhelming demand, an additional Director Q&A will take place at Light House on Saturday, February 8. Tickets are available now and pre-booking is strongly advised: BOOK NOW

On January 31 at Pálás, there will be a screening  followed by a Q+A with director Sinead O'Shea, and moderated by filmmaker and Chair of ATU Film & Documentary, Jill Beardsworth. BOOK NOW

On February 2, as part of Brigit: Dublin City Celebrating Women, Director Sinead O'Shea will be in attendance at a Q&A following a screening of Blue Road: The Edna O’Brien Story at Light House

Regular programme screenings open from January 31, tickets are on sale now in both venues.

Regular Programme Light House

Regular Programme Pálás

Light House welcomes Adam Elliot for Q&A | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

Light House welcomes Adam Elliot for Q&A

Grace Pudel is a book-loving, snail-collecting misfit that falls into a series of misfortunes after being separated from her twin brother Gilbert. Despite her hardships, inspiration and hope arise when Grace begins a friendship with an eccentric elderly woman named Pinky.

From Academy Award-winning writer and director Adam Elliot, Memoir of a Snail is a heartfelt and hilarious chronicle of the life of an outsider finding her confidence and silver linings amongst the clutter of everyday life starring Sarah Snook, Eric Bana, and Kodi Smit-McPhee. Elliot will be in attendance at a Q&A following a screening of the film at Light House on Tuesday, January 14. 

Tickets for regular programme screening can be found HERE.

Christmas Opening Hours | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

Christmas Opening Hours

Light House and Pálás will be closing over the festive season for some much needed rest. Here's a look at our opening hours between Christmas and New Year's.

December 23

The cinemas will both be open as normal with a day full of festive films!

Light House - Book Here

Pálás - Book Here

December 24, 25, & 26

Light House and Pálás close for Christmas.

December 27

Both cinemas re-open with 4 new films and our Best of 2024.

SPIRITED AWAY

LIGHT HOUSE

Subbed - Book Here

Dubbed - Book Here

PÁLÁS

Subbed - Book Here

Dubbed - Book Here

BETTER MAN

LIGHT HOUSE - Book Here

PÁLÁS - Book Here

THE UMBRELLAS OF CHERBOURG

LIGHT HOUSE - Book Here

PÁLÁS - Book Here

THE BEST OF 2024

LIGHT HOUSE - Book Here

PÁLÁS - Book Here


WICKED SING-ALONGS

LIGHT HOUSE - Book Here

PÁLÁS - Book Here

New Year's Eve

Both cinemas will close early on NYE following a screening of Rob Reiner's WHEN HARRY MET SALLY.

LIGHT HOUSE - Book Here

PÁLÁS - Book Here

January 1

Light House and Pálás will open in the afternoon, ready for another great year of films.

Until then, we wish you a very merry Christmas from all of us at Light House and Pálás.


Pálás Cinema to close in February 2025 | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

Pálás Cinema to close in February 2025

It is with deep regret that after seven years of trading, Pálás will be closing its doors at the end of February 2025.

To many, Pálás is more than just a cinema and we have loved being a part of the community. We are so proud of our incredible team, the partnerships we have forged and the loyal audience we have fostered for Irish, arthouse and independent films in Galway.

We have worked hard to avoid this outcome but the stark reality is rising costs and the oversaturation of the Galway cinema market have made continued trading unviable, and we have taken the difficult decision to withdraw from the business.

We intend to provide the best possible filmgoing experience until we close our doors and we look forward to welcoming audiences until then.

We are forever grateful for all of the love and support you have shown us over the last seven years.

Go raibh maith agaibh as bhur dtacaíocht leanúnach ar feadh na mblianta.

THE BEST OF 2024 AT LIGHT HOUSE AND PÁLÁS | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

THE BEST OF 2024 AT LIGHT HOUSE AND PÁLÁS

With another year of excellent cinema coming to a close, we are bringing some of our favourite films of 2024 back to the big screen. From Belfast to Arrakis, our picks take us across the known Universe as well as the cinematic landscape - from the biggest of blockbusters to local, low key indies. It's always hard to pick favourites but here are a few that we just had to revisit.

You can check out the full line-ups for both Light House and Pálás below. Pre-booking is advised across all screenings. 

Light House

Perfect Days

All Of Us Strangers

Anora

The Substance

Challengers

Poor Things 35mm

The Zone of Interest

La Chimera

Dune: Part Two

Kneecap

Small Things Like These

BOOK HERE

Pálás

Small Things Like These

Gladiator II

Dune: Part Two

Perfect Days

All Of Us Strangers

The Substance

Kneecap

Poor Things

Challengers

That They May Face The Rising Sun

The Zone Of Interest

BOOK HERE

WICKED SING-ALONG IS ON SALE NOW | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

WICKED SING-ALONG IS ON SALE NOW

Join Elphaba, Glinda and the whole Wicked crew for special sing along screenings starting from St. Stephen's Day 

Jon M. Chu's screen adaptation of the smash hit stage show has been delighting audiences since November but now it's time to hold space for the lyrics to Defying Gravity, brush up on your moves for Dancing Through Life for the perfect post-Christmas pick me up.


Light House

Book Sing-Along

Book Standard

Pálás

Book Sing-Along

Book Standard

NOSFERATU tickets on sale now | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

NOSFERATU tickets on sale now

Robert Eggers latest film NOSFERATU is a new take on the classic - a gothic tale of obsession between a haunted young woman and the terrifying vampire infatuated with her, causing untold horror in its wake. The film stars Lily Rose Depp, Bill Skarsgard, and Willem Dafoe and opens at Light House and Pálás on January 1. Light House is also proud to present a 35mm print of the film

Book Tickets - Light House:

35mm - https://www.lighthousecinema.ie/film/nosferatu-35mm

Digital - https://www.lighthousecinema.ie/film/nosferatu


Book Tickets - Pálás:

https://www.palas.ie/film/nosferatu

Light House will also be celebrating the return of Eggers with a screening of THE LIGHTHOUSE on December 28 & 31

European Cinema Night at Light House & Pálás | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

European Cinema Night at Light House & Pálás

December 4 is European Cinema Night in both Light House & Pálás with WHEN THE LIGHT BREAKS and CREATURA screening respectively.

These special screenings will be preceded by a drinks reception and both will feature a special in-person introduction.

WHEN THE LIGHT BREAKS is a poignant new drama about a young woman whose conscience and resilience is tested over the course of a long summer’s day when she’s confronted by unexpected and life-changing events from acclaimed Icelandic director Rúnar Rúnarsson.

CREATURA is the emotionally explicit sophomore feature from Spanish writer/director Elena Martín who also stars as Mila. Handling the complex, and often taboo, issues of female sexuality through a sensitive and compassionate lens, Creatura is a deeply moving and thought-provoking work of art.

WALLACE & GROMIT: VENGEANCE MOST FOWL screens exclusively at Light House | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

WALLACE & GROMIT: VENGEANCE MOST FOWL screens exclusively at Light House

For one week only, exclusively at Light House, the latest caper from Aardman, WALLACE & GROMIT: VENGEANCE MOST FOWL will take to the big screen.

Aardman's four-time Academy Award®-winning director Nick Park and Emmy Award-nominated Merlin Crossingham return with a brand new epic adventure, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl. In this next installment, Gromit’s concern that Wallace is becoming too dependent on his inventions proves justified, when Wallace invents a “smart” gnome that seems to develop a mind of its own. When it emerges that a vengeful figure from the past might be masterminding things, it falls to Gromit to battle sinister forces and save his master… or Wallace may never be able to invent again!

Pre-booking is strongly advised:

https://www.lighthousecinema.i...

Grand Theft Hamlet at Pálás | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

Grand Theft Hamlet at Pálás

On Monday December 9th, KinoGames & Pálás present a screening and Q&A of the highly original documentary, Grand Theft Hamlet.


In 2021, as the pandemic dragged on, theatre actors Sam and Mark spent their days in the online world of Grand Theft Auto, when they suddenly had an idea to stage a full production of Hamlet within the game. This SXSW and Sitges award-winning film charts their ridiculous, hilarious and moving adventure as they battle violent griefers and discover surprising truths about life, friendship and the enduring power of Shakespeare.

The screening will be followed by a live, virtual Q+A with the filmmakers, and moderated by Dr Abby Rekas, a lecturer in Law & Innovation at the University of Galway, whose research focuses on video game archiving and preservation, copyright and access to culture, and AI.


Pre-booking is advised:

https://www.palas.ie/film/gran...

GLADIATOR II Premiere at Light House Cinema | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

GLADIATOR II Premiere at Light House Cinema

Last Thursday, the red carpet was rolled out as Smithfield was transported to ancient Rome for the Irish Premier of Gladiator II. Paul Mescal, and some other famous faces, took to the carpet ahead of the screening for the latest film from Ridley Scott. There were Mescal Mules a-plenty with an orchestra on the stairs to the screens, playing music from the film. 

Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

The film will screen a day early at Light House on Thursday, November 14 with a special open captioned preview ahead of the general release on Friday. Don't forget to pick up a Mescal Mule in the bar ahead of our screening!

Open Captioned Preview: BOOK HERE

Standard Screenings: BOOK HERE

Naughty or Nice 2024 at Light House & Pálás | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

Naughty or Nice 2024 at Light House & Pálás

It's the time of year to spread some cheer, so start making a film list and check it twice, as Light House and Pálás bring you Naughty or Nice!

There’s plenty of nostalgia with the usual lineup of all your festive favourites and hijinks with the addition of contemporary classics which will be sure to please all from Buddy the Elf to Scrooge himself. There’s also the opportunity to ring in the new year with old (or new) friends as the season comes to an end with When Harry Met Sally on New Year’s Eve.

On planning the season, Light House Cinema Programmer David Kelly commented:

It's always a joyful time in Light House as we prepare to welcome Die Hard, The Muppet Christmas Carol, Home Alone, It's a Wonderful Life and more iconic festive classics back to the big screen, but it's even more exciting this year as we add newcomers The Holdovers and The Green Knight to the list! Mulled wine will be at the ready for a 70th anniversary screening of White Christmas, the password is Fidelio for this year's Cinema Book Club and Sean Baker delivers a L.A. odyssey with Tangerine.

We look forward to seeing you in December for this year's superb selection of cinematic stocking fillers.”

And Pálás Cinema Programmer Will Fitzgerald commented: 

“Cinephiles can always find a reason to celebrate at Pálás. As Noirvember gives way to December, so Bogey makes way for Jimmy. Our screens become resplendent in technicolour, and snowy vistas in black and white. The best films of the season make up this year’s Naughty or Nice list, from a 70th Anniversary screening of Michael Curtiz’s White Christmas, to another look at last year’s instant Christmas classic, Alexander Payne’s The Holdovers. Then come and ‘have what she’s having’ to ring in the New Year with some Nora Ephron.”

The films that will feature in this season between November 29th – December 31st are:

Small Trans Library: Carnage for Christmas*

Light House


Die Hard

Light House

Pálás

Elf

Light House

Pálás


Eyes Wide Shut

Light House (Cinema Book Club)

Pálás (I Can't Believe You Haven't Seen)


The Green Knight*

Light House

The Holdovers

Light House

Pálás

The Holiday**

Pálás

Home Alone

Light House

Pálás

How The Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)*

Light House

It's A Wonderful Life

Light House

Pálás

Love Actually

Light House

Pálás


Little Women (1994)*

Light House


The Muppet Christmas Carol

Light House

Pálás


The Nightmare Before Christmas

Light House

Pálás


The Nutcracker*

Light House


Solve-Along-A Murder She Wrote

Light House

Pálás


Tangerine

Light House

Pálás


Tokyo Godfathers

Light House

Pálás


White Christmas (70th Anniversary)

Light House

Pálás


NYE - When Harry Met Sally

Light House

Pálás

*Light House only / ** Pálás only


Tickets are available to purchase now on www.lighthousecinema.ie and www.palas.ie

Our online shop is the perfect place to pick up gifts, cards and vouchers for the film lover in your life www.lighthousecinemashop.ie.

Cillian Murphy Attends the Irish Premiere of SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE at Light House | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

Cillian Murphy Attends the Irish Premiere of SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE at Light House

On October 29, producer and star of SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE, Cillian Murphy attended the film's Irish Premiere. Directed by Tim Mielants, the film is based on the best-selling novel of the same name by Claire Keegan.

Oscar winner Cillian Murphy delivers a stunning performance as devoted father Bill Furlong. While working as a coal merchant to support his family, he discovers disturbing secrets kept by the local convent — and uncovers truths of his own — forcing him to confront his past and the complicit silence of a small Irish town controlled by the Catholic Church. The film was #1 in the Irish Box Office over the weekend and is now showing at Light House and Pálás.

Tickets are available now and pre-booking across screenings is advised.

BOOK LIGHT HOUSE
BOOK PÁLÁS

The Wild Robot Exhibition at Light House | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

The Wild Robot Exhibition at Light House

From sketch to screen. Celebrating 30 years of DreamWorks Animation, leading to the release of The Wild Robot, a powerful story about discovery of self.

In honour of DreamWorks Animation's 30th Anniversary, Light House Cinema are hosting this immersive exhibition taking visitors on a captivating journey through the artistic and storytelling processes that bring DreamWorks' beloved animated films to life to celebrate the release of The Wild Robot, in cinemas from October 18th. The epic adventure follows the journey of a robot-ROZZUM unit 7134 - "Roz" for short - that is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals on the island.

The Wild Robot stars Academy Award® winner Lupita Nyong’o, Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Pedro Pascal; Emmy winner Catherine O’Hara; Oscar® nominee Bill Nighy; Kit Connor and Oscar® nominee Stephanie Hsu.

As Roz, Brightbill, Fink and Longneck from Wild Robot are set to join the iconic Shrek and Kung Fu Panda in the Light House canon of our most-treasured animated characters, what better way celebrate 30 years of Dreamworks, than an exhibition showcasing the studios unique contribution to our cultural lives!

This is a free, drop-in event, no booking required.

The Light House is showing The Wild Robot from Friday October 18th.

Book your tickets here:

https://www.lighthousecinema.ie/film/the-wild-robot

Paul Mescal to attend GLADIATOR II Premiere at Light House | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

Paul Mescal to attend GLADIATOR II Premiere at Light House

On November 7, we are thrilled to be joined by Paul Mescal for the Irish Premiere of Ridley Scott's GLADIATOR II. The red carpet fan zone will be accessible to the public from 5pm for those hoping to get involved with the festivities on the carpet.

From legendary director Ridley Scott, Gladiator II continues the epic saga of power, intrigue, and vengeance set in Ancient Rome. Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius (Paul Mescal) is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist. With rage in his heart and the future of the Empire at stake, Lucius must look to his past to find strength and honor to return the glory of Rome to its people.

The film screens from November 15 and tickets for the opening weekend are on sale now with an open captioned preview on November 14:

Open Captioned Preview: https://www.lighthousecinema.i...

Standard Screenings: https://www.lighthousecinema.i...

THIS HALLOWEEN AT LIGHT HOUSE & PÁLÁS | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

THIS HALLOWEEN AT LIGHT HOUSE & PÁLÁS

This Halloween, prepare for chills, thrills, and unforgettable frights as we bring you a spine-tingling lineup of horror classics, cult favourites, and genre-defining masterpieces! From iconic monsters to psychological terror, there's something for every horror fan at Light House & Pálás this October! 


Check out the full lineup:

Light House

Terrifier & Terrifier 2 Double Bill - October 10th

Terrifier 3 - From October 11th

Blood Quantum - October 16th

We're All Going To The World's Fair - October 17th

I Saw The TV Glow - October 17th

At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul - October 19th

Hollywood Babylon: The Exorcist III - October 19th

Carrie - October 20th

Death Becomes Her - October 27th

Bram Stoker Festival: Nosferatu & Live Score - October 28th

Cinema Book Club: Doctor Sleep - October 29th

Buffy The Vampire Slayer - October 30th

It Follows - October 31st

Mandy - October 31st

Pálás

Shaun of the Dead - From October 1st

Cinephile Paradiso: Eyes Without A Face - October 3rd

Invasion of the Body Snatchers - October 16th

Carrie - October 19th

At Midnight I'll Take Your Soul - October 22nd

A Nightmare on Elm Street - October 25th

Silent Cinema: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari + Live Score - October 26th

Hocus Pocus - October 28th

Blood Quantum - October 28th

ICBYHS: Bride of Frankenstein - October 30th

The Shining - October 31st

Doc’n Roll returns to Light House Dublin for its 2nd Edition | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

Doc’n Roll returns to Light House Dublin for its 2nd Edition

Dublin, September 23, 2024 – The 2nd edition of DOC’N ROLL FILM FESTIVAL DUBLIN will take audiences on a musical subculture tour from New York City to Melbourne, Toronto to Los Angeles, London to Ukraine, Ohio to Scotland, while spotlighting a broad range of genres, including Balkan rock, blues rock, punk, hip hop, ska, indie, new wave and industrial.

We are thrilled to welcome Doc'n Roll Festival back to Light House Cinema with an eclectic mix of music documentaries, celebrating the diverse and radical voices that have shaped music culture globally. This year’s lineup of 7 Irish premiere feature documentary films promises captivating stories from genre-defining artists across the spectrum, from the punk rebellion of Gogol Bordello to the profound musical and personal journeys of Ol' Dirty Bastard and Pauline Black. We’ll explore gender, politics, and identity through the groundbreaking work of Genesis P-Orridge and dive deep into the rise of legends like The Black Keys. With exclusive Q&A sessions, both in-person and online, this festival is a unique opportunity to connect with the art, artists, and their stories. Buckle up for a weekend of transformative music and cinema.

The 2nd edition of DOC’N ROLL FILM FESTIVAL DUBLIN aims to inspire, entertain, enlighten and provoke discussion through a variety of post-screening Q&A sessions.

Colm Forde, Co-founder of Doc’n Roll Film Fest, says:
"As a proud Dubliner, I’m absolutely thrilled to bring the 2nd edition of Doc’n Roll Film Festival to my hometown. After launching this passion project in London over a decade ago, it’s an honour to now showcase these incredible music documentaries at the Lighthouse Cinema. This year’s lineup is one of our most eclectic yet, spanning genres and cities from all over the globe. From the raw energy of Gogol Bordello and the genre-defining legacy of Pauline Black, to the lush, orchestral indie rock of Broken Social Scene, I can’t wait for Dublin audiences to experience these captivating stories on the big screen.”


SCREENING LISTINGS - AT LIGHT HOUSE CINEMA

DEVO + ONLINE DIRECTOR Q&A

25/10 | 8:30 PM | LIGHT HOUSE

PAULINE BLACK: A 2 TONE STORY

26/10 | 2:30 PM | LIGHT HOUSE

S/HE IS STILL HER/E – THE OFFICIAL GENESIS P-ORRIDGE DOC + IN-PERSON DIRECTOR Q&A

26/10 | 6:00 PM | LIGHT HOUSE

OL’ DIRTY BASTARD: A TALE OF TWO DIRTYS

26/10 | 8:00 PM | LIGHT HOUSE

SCREAM OF MY BLOOD: A GOGOL BORDELLO STORY

27/10 | 3:00 PM | LIGHT HOUSE

THIS IS A FILM ABOUT THE BLACK KEYS

27/10 | 6:00 PM | LIGHT HOUSE

IT'S ALL GONNA BREAK / BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE + ONLINE DIRECTOR Q&A

28/10 | 6:00 PM | LIGHT HOUSE

BE KIND, REWIND WITH DUBLIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

BE KIND, REWIND WITH DUBLIN INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

(RE)EXPERIENCE CLASSICS AND CULTS ON THE BIG SCREEN

Join Dublin Film Festival Fri 27 – Sun 29 September for Be Kind Rewind where timeless masterpieces meet cult favourites on the Light House Cinema screen for three days only!

Hand-picked by the Irish Film Curators, a passionate group of young film enthusiasts, this is a rare chance to (re)experience the flicks that inspired much of today’s contemporary cinema.

Discover a world of classic and lesser-known cinema that still resonates today, from bold New Wave flicks like Daisies (1966) and Funeral Parade of Roses (1969) to the still-topical societal snapshot Pressure (1976), plus Hollywood classic Creature From the Black Lagoon (1954).

Be Kind Rewind is also a chance to broaden the cinematic horizons with cult flicks like 1997’s teen alienation allegory Nowhere, or the vivid biopic of a life less ordinary, Nang By Nang (2018).

Tickets are available at €7, or you can avail of our Multi-Buy Offer with 15% off your choice of three films.

Galway Film Society Autumn/Winter 2024 season | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

Galway Film Society Autumn/Winter 2024 season

As we celebrate GFS 60th anniversary, we would like to take this opportunity to provide you with an insight into GFS history, therein paying tribute to Joe McMahon, GFS former Chair, RIP, to thank GFS supporters and to highlight some dates for your diary!

The History of Galway Film Society / Tribute to Joe McMahon, by James Harrold

For sixty years Galway Film Society has been at the heart of culture in Galway and the west of Ireland and at the heart of GFS for most of those years were Joe and Bridie McMahon. Outstanding GFS Chair and passionate cinephile Joe McMahon personified all that is great in Galway film. He passed away last May but his legacy endures.

Joe McMahon was a native of Limerick and grew up in a city of cinemas, where every neighbourhood appeared to have its own beloved picture palace. Following some years with Aer Lingus Joe became a valued senior administrator in the Science and Engineering faculties of University College Galway where he quickly gained a reputation for his clarity of thought and expression and his wise counsel. Joe was kind, thoughtful and supportive, a real professional, qualities manifest too in his leadership of GFS and in the Federation of Irish Film Societies – now ‘access>cinema’, where in the words of Finola Costello of Picture House Wexford ‘He was a colossus in helping to facilitate the rapid provision of cultural cinema in Ireland’.

With Joe at the helm of an energetic and imaginative committee the GFS seasons of screenings became essential entries in Galway’s cultural calendar. Every Monday evening the O’Flaherty Theatre in UCG was the place to see the great films, to stay in touch with significant contemporary art, to feel part of the intellectual and political movements of Europe and the world, to look and listen well beyond the little city. All Galway’s creative folk gathered there: from  young radical students, and emerging artists to grizzled veterans of the culture wars of the fifties, sixties and seventies; quite a few were connected with the university, many came from outside the walls, aficionados in city and county who wanted more than the blockbusters in the commercial cinemas, and relied on the programme of  seminal cinematic stepping stones to guide them across  the long dark winter nights, and the dismal days too: Ireland’s political turbulence was reflected in the exceptional curatorship, featuring the independent Irish film makers, determined to shine their lights onto our gloomy island.

Those screenings of the late seventies and eighties exuded a sense of an energised arts community finding its voice. At that stage, already two decades old, GFS had a track record of achievement, confidence, and success that the newer groups could aspire to. In company especially with Druid Theatre Company and Galway Arts Festival, Galway Film Society developed the unique west of Ireland voice and aesthetic that propelled Galway to the forefront of the arts in Ireland. 

Joe and his soul-mate Bridie were early morning swimmers at Blackrock, Salthill. The fortitude with which they faced the cold waves was called for when the idyll in the O’Flaherty Theatre was disrupted. In January 1986 the University caved in to unpleasant external pressure of religious zealots who entered the campus to prevent the screening of Godard’s ‘Je vous salue Marie’.  Rather than confront and deny  the censorship of the mob, UCG withdrew its facilities from the Society. Suddenly homeless, GFS showed the film off-site, as a pop-up. The personal toll on Joe and Bridie was real: they had to face down letters of abuse, including believable death threats from wicked, anonymous and self-appointed defenders of the faith. 

In a city light on arts infrastructure the Society had little choice than to return to UCG but it was never quite the same comfortable haven and the febrile traces of the college’s capitulation lingered.  When the city’s new Town Hall Theatre opened its doors in 1995 Galway Film Society was welcomed by  Galway Corporation as an anchor presence, a valued shareholder in the city’s life. GFS moved in for many seasons of happy, undisrupted Sunday evenings, with Joe and Bridie leading. With the space and freedom  of the Town Hall’s benign régime as the municipal showcase for all arts groups GFS could expand its social programming, linking with the diversity of Galway communities, providing connections with older age groups, social action groups and language societies of new Galway residents. As a godparent  of the original Galway Film Fleadh and a consistent supporter and curator of new film-making  in Galway and Ireland  GFS was a consistent trail-blazer. 

Joe’s insights and judgment throughout made him a major presence in Galway’s arts community.  He was on the first boards of the Galway Arts Centre and the original Galway Film Fleadh. He was utterly supportive of the emerging Galway filmmaking community, in its confident charge towards the highly prized and vastly constructive award in 2014 of Galway’s UNESCO City of Film status and the creation of the Pálás, Galway’s new venue for the art of cinema, which opened in 2018 with GFS as a resident presence. In the words of the former director of ‘access>cinema’, Maretta Dillon: Joe McMahon ‘was rigorous and independent in thought and always looked at the broader picture…he gave audiences in Galway and Ireland the opportunity to see a broader range of World cinema. The arts and film in particular, owe him a debt of gratitude.’

Reputedly Joe’s favourite film was Wild Strawberries, Bergman’s masterful contemplation of a life’s journey. Joe’s life journey in film was a triumph. He led from the front, bestowed kindness, clarity and innovation and immeasurably improved film in Galway for audiences and artists. His intellectual curiosity, good humour and breath of understanding  were always at the service of Galway, Ireland and the arts. He truly was a colossus.

Our Thanks

Míle buíochas to GFS supporters, especially its voluntary committees and loyal audiences who ensured GFS 60 year success. Buíochas ar leith to GFS60 supporters: Ruth Mulhern & Galway City Council Arts Office team; Cllrs. Eddie Hoare & Clodagh Higgins; Árdán & UNESCO City of Film; Maeve Cooke, Karen Wall & access>CINEMA team; Alice Black, Will Fitzgerald, Ruta Vitosiene & Pálás team; Europa Cinema; James Harrold; Ray McDonald Designer, iSupply printers & Galway Advertiser; Dr. Andrea Ciribuco & Michela Dianetti, UG; Dara Mcgee agus an fhoireann, in Áras Éanna; Dublin International Film Festival & Town Hall Theatre team; and GFS generous sponsors. Ár mbuíochas ó chroi.

Some dates for your diary…

20th September @ 5pm, Galway City Museum - Culture Night Walking Tour

GFS will participate in Galway City Museum Walking Tour of Galway. Themed “Controversy in the Arts,” the walk will commence at Galway City Museum at 5pm. GFS stop will be outside Pálás cinema where James Harrold will provide a fascinating insight into the enormous controversy arising from GFS’ screening of Jean-Luc Godard’s Hail Mary in 1986.

21st September @ 12 noon, Galway City Museum - GFS60 Mini-Doc Launch

GFS will launch GALWAY FILM SOCIETY AT 60, a mini-documentary (20 mins) commissioned by GFS to mark its 60th anniversary and its contribution to arts in the city. The film was produced and directed by Galway based filmmakers.

GFS welcomes all who participated in the film to join us for the opening screenings between 12 noon and 1.30pm. The film will be shown at 12 noon, 12.30, 1pm & 1.30 pm. Between 2pm and 5pm, the film will be played on a continuous basis and open to the public for viewing.

Sun 6 Oct @ 8pm & Mon 7 Oct @ 6.30pm, GFS Autumn/Winter 2024 Season commences

Season tickets can be purchased in person at Pálás box office until Monday 14th October. If possible, please purchase in advance of the opening weekend screenings to avoid delays. To avail of the subsidised price, season ticket purchasers will be required to provide contact details. Please also note that our Christmas film is not included in the season ticket.

We look forward to seeing you all at GFS 60th anniversary season of events!

Tickets are available HERE

THE OUTRUN red carpet gala screening | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

THE OUTRUN red carpet gala screening

Following a successful festival run at Sundance, Berlin, and most recently Edinburgh, THE OUTRUN directed by Nora Fingscheidt and starring Saoirse Ronan is in cinemas from September 27. 

On September 20, Saoirse Ronan will attend the red carpet gala screening at Light House and give an extended introduction to the film. Tickets for this preview are available now and pre-booking is strongly advised.

After living life on the edge in London, Rona attempts to come to terms with her troubled past. She returns to the wild beauty of Scotland's Orkney Islands (where she grew up) hoping to heal. Adapted from Amy Liptrot's bestselling memoir.

NATIONAL CINEMA DAY AT LIGHT HOUSE AND PÁLÁS | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

NATIONAL CINEMA DAY AT LIGHT HOUSE AND PÁLÁS

National Cinema Day returns this Saturday, August 31 with all tickets for all screenings available for just €5!

Light House and Pálás are delighted to participate in this initiative supported by Screen Ireland, designed to celebrate the experience of cinema-going. Last year’s National Cinema Day was a huge success in Ireland, with over 217,000 admissions for that single day, making it the biggest cinema-going day of the year. 

To celebrate both venues are offering Dublin and Galway audiences the chance to see a wide range of films from comedy to horror, from Irish language films to English to Mandarin, from new releases to beloved classics. National Cinema Day is a chance to see your favourite back on the big screen or to discover a new favourite.

Pre-booking is strongly advised for all screenings across the day and can be booked online or at box office.

Light House Programme:

Notes from Sheepland

Kensuke’s Kingdom

Sing Sing

My Neighbour Totoro (Dubbed)

Kneecap (Open Caption)

An Cailín Ciúin

The Iron Giant

Cuckoo

Black Dog

Mrs. Robinson

Alien: Romulus

Deadpool & Wolverine

Blink Twice

Kneecap

Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai

The Terminator

I Saw The TV Glow

Stop Making Sense


Pálás Programme:

Kensuke’s Kingdom

Mrs. Robinson

My Neighbour Totoro (Subbed)

The NeverEnding Story (40th Anniversary)

Only The River Flows

The Italian Job (55th Anniversary)

Alien: Romulus

Kneecap (Open Caption)

Sleepy Hollow

Kneecap

Oddity

Cuckoo

Smithfield Fleadh Returns to Light House | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

Smithfield Fleadh Returns to Light House

Dublin City Council is delighted to announce the much-anticipated return of the two-day Irish traditional music festival, Dublin City Council Smithfield Fleadh, this weekend. This free, family-friendly outdoor summer event will take place on the 24th and 25th August from 12pm – 6pm at Smithfield Square, Dublin city centre’s largest dedicated event space.

Building on the success of the last two years’, the programme showcases the vibrancy of traditional Irish music in modern Ireland with internationally recognised artists and grassroots artists alike. This year will see more opportunities for attendees to engage with the artists through sessions, workshops and céilís for all the family to enjoy!

To celebrate, Light House is partnering with ITMA and Dublin City Council to host a free screening of Drawing from the Well Juniors on Saturday. 

Brendan Gleeson’s Farewell to Hughes will screen on Sunday, to celebrate the iconic trad music venue.

Tickets for Drawing from the Well Juniors

Tickets for Brendan Gleeson’s Farewell to Hughes

“From the Desk of…Mrs. Robinson” at Light House Cinema & Pálás | Pálás Cinema Galway Ireland

“From the Desk of…Mrs. Robinson” at Light House Cinema & Pálás

In celebration of the nationwide release of MRS ROBINSON in cinemas on August 23rd, the University of Galway, in collaboration with Light House Cinema, Pálás and BREAK OUT PICTURES, is proud to present an exclusive exhibition: “From the Desk of…Mrs. Robinson.” This special exhibition, hosted at the Light House and Pálás Cinemas, offers the public a rare glimpse into the remarkable archive of Mary Robinson, one of Ireland's most influential and respected figures.

Earlier this year, Mary Robinson—former President of Ireland and a pioneering advocate for human rights—marked her 80th birthday. To honour this milestone, the University of Galway, custodian of Robinson’s extensive archive, has curated a selection of materials that both inspired and feature in the documentary MRS ROBINSON.

The exhibition showcases a rich collection of materials spanning over six decades of Robinson's distinguished career. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore reproductions of documents and artifacts from her time as a barrister, legislator, senator, and professor, as well as her tenure as President of Ireland. The archive also includes materials from her global roles, including UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN Special Envoy for the Great Lakes and Climate Change, Chair of The Elders, and founder of Realizing Rights and the Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice.

Curated by Niamh Ní Charra, project archivist at the University of Galway, this mini-exhibition brings to life the profound impact of Robinson’s work and her ongoing legacy in the fight for justice and equality.

MRS ROBINSON—directed by Aoife Kelleher and produced by Cormac Hargaden and Trisha Canning for Loosehorse—delivers Mary Robinson’s story in her own words for the first time. The documentary chronicles her tireless battles for justice over more than 50 years, from the streets to the courts, the ballot box, and the corridors of power. The film will open nationwide on August 23rd, offering audiences an intimate look at Robinson’s extraordinary life and contributions.

Mary Robinson first gained widespread attention as a reforming constitutional lawyer and senator, before creating a political earthquake by winning the Irish Presidential election in 1990. As UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, she cemented her legacy by challenging human rights abuses globally. Today, she continues to wield influence as Chair of The Elders—a group of global leaders founded by Nelson Mandela—and as a leading voice in climate justice through Project Dandelion, a women-led initiative addressing climate change.

The exhibition is open to the public at Light House Cinema from August 16th to September 1st and Pálás cinema from 23rd of August to September 4th.

Mrs. Robinson is on sale now at Light House and Pálás