About Stella Rathmines
Stella Rathmines is a uniquely luxurious one-screen cinema, showing new release films and Hollywood classics seven days a week. The cinema is now over 100 years old and has been sympathetically restored to reflect the glitz and glamour of the 1920s but with a modern, luxurious twist. Ranked 2nd greatest cinema in the world and best cinema in the UK and Ireland by TimeOut in 2026, 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 temporarily closed.
In 2015, an 18-month restoration began which saw many of the beautiful original 1920s features, such as the original façade with granite pilasters, uncovered. A typical art deco handrail which guides you up to the first-floor balcony, detailed mosaic tiling of the original Stella logo and original decorative ceiling mouldings have all been kindly restored and can be seen throughout the building. The original suspended projection booth is also still in place.
The once separated screens were re-joined into an impressive single auditorium and the elegant balcony level was faithfully reconstructed using photographs of the original 1920s venue. The original ballroom was transformed into a luxurious cocktail bar, with a glass atrium and a large front facing window overlooking the bustling Rathmines main street.
Stella officially reopened its doors to a new generation of cinema-goers on the 31st of October 2017, offering a uniquely luxurious cinema experience and a mouth-watering food and drink selection. Cinema bookings for Stella can be made here and for our cocktail club here. We look forward to welcoming you soon for a cinema experience unlike any other!
Stella Rathmines is a luxurious one-screen cinema that shows new release films and Hollywood classics seven days a week. The cinema was originally built in 1923 and restored and reopened in 2017. Highlights include the Art Deco features, food and drink service, large comfortable seating and a hidden away cocktail bar.
Stella has established itself as a world-class cinema experience and a go-to destination for movie lovers. Ranked 2nd greates t cinema in the world and best cinema in the UK and Ireland by TimeOut in 2026, Stella is a very well-regarded venue.
Stella first opened its doors on the 29th of January 1923. It temporarily closed in 2004 and reopened after an extensive renovation in 2017.
Stella Cinema is located at 207/209 Rathmines Road Lower, Rathmines, Dublin 6, Ireland. The Eircode is D06 W403.