Stella Cinema

Stella Rathmines is a uniquely luxurious one-screen cinema, showing new release films and Hollywood classics seven days a week. The cinema is now 100 years old and has been sympathetically restored to reflect the glitz and glamour of the 1920s but with a modern, luxurious twist. Ranked 16th in the world’s most beautiful cinemas and no.1 in the best cinemas in the UK and Ireland by TimeOut in 2021, Stella has established itself as a world-class cinema experience and a go-to destination for movie lovers.

First opening its doors on the 29th of January 1923, the cinema originally held 1,283 patrons, making it Ireland’s largest cinema at the time. Designed by architectural firm Higginbotham & Stafford it was envisioned as an extravagant picture house featuring a large auditorium with balcony level and a first-floor dancehall/ballroom. The building showcased numerous art deco flourishes such as the bright, eye-catching façade with original Stella signage and a striking, illuminated fountain at the front of the screen which dazzled guests during intermissions.

In the 1970s Stella functioned not only as a cinema but also as a venue for live music playing host to the Boomtown Rats and Elvis Costello.
In the 1980s the large single auditorium was divided into two distinct screens and the original façade and large front window were covered up with a more contemporary metal design. The cinema continued operating until 2004 when it closed.