Adelphi Cinema

98-101 Middle Abbey Street,
Dublin 1

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Additional Info

Previously operated by: Associated British Cinemas Ltd.

Architects: William Riddell Glen

Styles: Streamline Moderne

Nearby Theaters

Adelphi Dublin

This 2,304-seat Art Moderne style movie palace was designed by William R. Glen, (assisted by local Irish architect Robert Donnelly) for the Associated British Cinemas(ABC) circuit and opened on 12th January 1939 with Errol Flynn in “The Adventures of Robin Hood”. While primarily a cinema, the Adelphi Cinema did feature live acts as well, most notably being the only appearance in Dublin by the Beatles on 7th November 1963. Other performers to appear at the Adelphi Cinema included Marlene Dietrich, Louis Armstrong, Diana Ross, and Roy Orbison.

In October 1970, the cinema was triplexed, and later, in 1973 became a quad. The Adelphi Cinema was closed on 30th November 1995 screening “High Society” and “Gigi”, with no admission charged. Unfortunately, this once-glamourous cinema was demolished except for part of its facade, and a parking garage built in its place. Cars now drive in and out of what was once the Adelphi’s main entrance.

Contributed by Bryan Krefft

Recent comments (view all 9 comments)

Ken Roe
Ken Roe on October 15, 2009 at 4:06 am

A vintage photograph of the Adelphi Cinema in June 1961:
View link

Mashob
Mashob on February 15, 2010 at 6:57 am

Could anybody know where you could find a list of performers and dates that played the Adelphi, please?

Archiseek
Archiseek on July 7, 2010 at 12:41 pm

Photos taken recently.

Archiseek
Archiseek on July 7, 2010 at 12:42 pm

Photos taken recently.
View link

m_muldowney
m_muldowney on March 1, 2016 at 5:49 am

Adelphi One cinema was fantastic theatre – as they had a top quality 70mm projector and great sound system. Original POLTERGEIST was a stunning experience. Sadly 70mm projector was sold in late 1980’s – so films looked “lost” when shown on giant screen.

av_bjorn
av_bjorn on April 13, 2021 at 5:44 am

“A short chapter in Dublin’s musical history will be commemorated on Wednesday when a plaque marking The Beatles' first, and only, appearance in Ireland is unveiled at Arnotts. The band played two shows at what was then the Adelphi Cinema, Middle Abbey Street, on November 7th, 1963” https://www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/when-the-beatles-played-dublin-and-sparked-a-riot-at-arnotts-1.3679598

Biffaskin
Biffaskin on July 3, 2023 at 11:16 am

John Joseph Higginbotham supervised construction as Dublin Corporation’s Surveyor of Places of Public Resort.

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