IRELAND’S MAIN CINEMA chains enjoy a price mark-up of over 700 per cent on the popcorn they sell.

A survey of cinema prices by RTÉ’s The Consumer Show has revealed that the average price of a small popcorn in 37 cinemas across the country is €4.19, while the average cost of producing it is just 50c.

Based on a survey of cinema prices, including the cost of a full adult priced ticket, a small popcorn and a small drink, the show was able to compile a list of Ireland’s most expensive and cheapest nights out

Most expensive

1. Vue in Liffey Valley, Dublin 22 – €20.65 (although it was noted that their portion sizes were bigger than the others
2. Cineworld, Dublin 1 – €19.80
3. Odeon, countrywide – €18.36
4. The Movies@ chain (Dundrum and Swords) – €18.10

Least expensive

Independent cinemas were found to be cheapest:

1. The Park Cinema in Clonakilty, Co Cork – €10.90 (although its small drink is smaller than average)
2. Bantry Cinemax, Co Cork – €11.25
3. Empire Movieplex in Ennis, Co Clare – €12.10
4. Lifford Cineplex in Co Donegal – €12.10 (although the cinema’s popcorn is particularly small)

Reaction

When asked about their prices by the show, none of the cinema chains were willing to be interviewed.

Odeon said in a statement that it offered “a fantastic all round cinema experience including great value combo deals”, while Cineworld said it was “competitively priced” and “great value compared to other leisure activities.”

IMC Cinemas, Omniplex, Vue and the Movies@ chain declined to comment.

Andrew Lowe from Dublin cinema The Lighthouse said that the rule of thumb for cinemas was that “that you break even in the ‘bums on seats’ side of the business and you make your profit on the retail side.”

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