Film: Once Upon a Time in a Cinema

An Táin Arts Centre screens Once Upon a Time in a Cinema on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, at 2pm in Dundalk.

What to expect

Directed by David Gleeson, the film follows Earl Clancy, who runs a small-town cinema in the mid-1980s and is considering selling the site. On a busy Friday night, Earl must deal with a series of unfolding disasters, from disgruntled customers to unwanted rodent visitors, all while working as projectionist to keep the film on screen. As the evening grows more chaotic, Earl grapples with the legacy and future of the cinema he has devoted his life to. An Táin Arts Centre describes the film as a charming comedy-drama that recaptures the atmosphere of a classic, ramshackle and very Irish cinema. It stars Colin Morgan, Calam Lynch and Clara Crichton, and is screened in partnership with Access Cinema. Tea or coffee is included after the screening.

An Táin Arts Centre is an independent arts space in Dundalk supported by Louth County Council and The Arts Council. Alongside film screenings with Access Cinema, its year-round programme covers theatre, exhibitions, workshops and national touring productions across a 350 seat main theatre and a 55 seat studio theatre.

Getting there

An Táin Arts Centre is on Crowe Street in Townparks, Dundalk, County Louth, A91 W20C.

While you’re in Dundalk

Dundalk is the county town of Louth, on the Castletown River between Dublin and Belfast. There is more to see in Dundalk and across County Louth.

Good to know

• Date and time: Tuesday 13 October 2026, 2pm
• Venue and address: An Táin Arts Centre, Crowe Street, Townparks, Dundalk, County Louth, A91 W20C
• Price: €3.50, plus a €1.50 booking fee per ticket
• Booking: Book now
• Details from the An Táin Arts Centre and Access Cinema listing, checked 14 September 2026.