Crowds queuing at the Metropole c. 1938. (National Library of Ireland)

Ireland’s love-affair with cinema continues as nation ranks #1 in Europe for attendance

It seems that Irish people just can’t resist a trip to the cinemas, as the nation continues to be the highest in Europe for cinema attendance per capita. The title is shared with France, as both nations record an average of 3.3 trips to the cinema each year per person.

The figures released by UNIC (Union Internationale des Cinémas/International Union of Cinemas) show that attendance in Ireland rose by 4% to 15.8 cinema admissions, while box-office revenue increased 3.3% to €107.5m in 2016.

Irish cinemas continue to be dominated by foreign fare, with just 3% of the box-office total being recording for films produced in Ireland.

Another key figure of note is screen density, with Ireland continuing to have the highest number of cinema screens per one million persons of the 36 UNIC territories, with an impressive 104 (down from 111), doubling the UNIC average of 52. France comes a close second with 90, while our near neighbours in the UK have 64.

UNIC also recorded that the average price of a cinema ticket in Ireland has fallen from €7 to €6.8, reflecting the competition in the marketplace and the increase in multi-trip subscriptions schemes by the cinema chains. This is still above the EU average of €6.6.

UNIC speaks on behalf of the majority of cinema operators in Europe and represents more than 33,000 screens and over one billion admissions per year. Members include national exhibitors’ associations and cinema operators, representing cinema sites of all sizes and locations.

The UNIC Annual Report 2017 can be download from here.