Omniplex Cinemas: The Complete Guide to Ireland and the UK’s Fastest-Growing Cinema Chain

When Empire Cinemas collapsed in late 2023, leaving cinema-goers at seven sites across England and Scotland wondering what would happen to their local multiplex, it was an Irish family business that stepped in. Omniplex acquired five former Empire sites overnight in December 2023 and has not slowed down since. In May 2025 it acquired the 18-screen Glasgow Cineworld building on Renfrew Street, which at 12 storeys is the tallest cinema building in the world. That building reopened on 10 July 2026 following a £22 million makeover.

This is a company in the middle of its most ambitious expansion period since the Omniplex brand was established in 1991. For cinema-goers in the UK and Ireland, this guide covers everything you need to know: what Omniplex is, where it operates, what the screen formats offer, how to book and save money, and what makes this chain genuinely different from the larger national brands.

What Is Omniplex Cinemas?

<cite index=”37-1″>Omniplex Cinemas is one of the largest and fastest-growing cinema chains in the UK and Ireland, with over 365 screens across 45 locations.</cite> It is operated by Omniplex Holdings Unlimited Company, a private, family-run business based in Dublin. The company is led by Paul Anderson, and the Anderson family’s involvement in cinema dates back to 1948.

<cite index=”34-1″>Omniplex Holdings Unlimited Company (trading as Omniplex Cinemas) is an Irish cinema chain which started in the Republic of Ireland in 1991. Following this they expanded to Derry, Northern Ireland in 1993. In late 2023, it entered the markets in England and Scotland by acquiring the former Empire Cinemas after their bankruptcy.</cite>

<cite index=”39-1″>The chain has grown rapidly, particularly through strategic acquisitions, reaching 47 locations with 382 screens as of October 2025, making it one of the largest and fastest-growing exhibitors in the UK and Ireland.</cite>

The Anderson Family and Omniplex’s History

<cite index=”34-1″>The Anderson family have a long history in the film and cinema business dating back to 1948 when Kevin Anderson (Paul Anderson’s father, now retired) first got involved. The first cinema was purchased in Lucan in 1955. The Andersons continued to acquire, redevelop and sell cinemas across Ireland over the subsequent decades.</cite>

<cite index=”34-1″>The first cinema to be branded an Omniplex was in Santry (now IMC). Since then, Omniplex has expanded in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. This includes the 13-screen Cork Omniplex which opened in 2005 and the Rathmines Omniplex which completed in 2014.</cite>

The company’s entry into England and Scotland is therefore its boldest expansion in its history. <cite index=”42-1″>Omniplex acquired five sites (Birmingham, Clydebank, High Wycombe, Ipswich and Sutton) from the Empire administrator in December 2023, opening them overnight as Omniplexes after hasty rebranding.</cite> Two additional former Empire sites in Sunderland (reopened May 2024) and Wigan (reopened June 2024) followed.

<cite index=”42-1″>Paul John Anderson, Omniplex director, explained the business model: “We own the majority of our locations. In sites that are leased, Omniplex paid for the fit-outs, so is not exposed to high rents. We’re not in the game of large capital contributions from landlords. And that’s stood to help us in pandemic times where we weren’t as exposed to high leases, and we’ve no debt.”</cite>

Where Are Omniplex Cinemas Located?

<cite index=”34-1″>Omniplex owns 44 cinemas, with 22 cinemas in the Republic of Ireland and 22 cinemas in the United Kingdom.</cite>

UK Locations

Omniplex operates across Northern Ireland and Great Britain. UK sites include:

Northern Ireland: Belfast (Dundonald and The Avenue boutique cinema), Antrim, Banbridge, and other sites across the province.

England: Birmingham, High Wycombe, Ipswich, Sutton (London), Sunderland, and Wigan.

Scotland: Clydebank, and the flagship Glasgow Renfrew Street cinema (formerly Cineworld, reopened 10 July 2026 after a £22 million refurbishment).

Republic of Ireland Locations

The Republic of Ireland network includes major urban centres and provincial towns, with sites in Dublin (including Rathmines and Stephen’s Green), Cork (Mahon Point), Galway (Salthill), Limerick, Waterford, Dundalk, Balbriggan, Drogheda, and others across Munster, Leinster, and Connacht.

To find the nearest Omniplex to you, use the cinema finder on omniplex.ie (Ireland) or omniplexcinemas.co.uk (United Kingdom).

Screen Formats: What OmniplexMAXX, Recline, and Standard Screens Mean

Understanding Omniplex’s screen formats helps you choose the right ticket before you book.

Standard Screens

Standard screens at Omniplex deliver 2D digital projection with full surround sound. For most films, this provides a comfortable, modern cinema experience. Standard screens are typically the most affordable ticket option.

OmniplexMAXX

<cite index=”34-1″>The OmniplexMAXX is the next generation of giant format cinema screens being rolled out across Omniplex’s cinemas. This includes the OmniplexMAXX in Antrim which, at 23 metres wide, is Ireland’s widest cinema screen. Other OmniplexMAXX screens have opened in Mahon Cork, Limerick, Banbridge, Waterford and Rathmines. The auditoriums include custom-designed leather reclining armchairs as standard, HD digital projection, MasterImage 3D and Dolby Atmos surround sound.</cite>

<cite index=”37-1″>OmniplexMAXX, our signature large-format experience, offers floor-to-ceiling screens, crystal clear projection, and immersive digital surround sound.</cite>

OmniplexMAXX is comparable to IMAX or Odeon Luxe in concept: a larger, more immersive screen experience than a standard auditorium. For action films, blockbusters with significant sound design, or any film where scale and audio immersion matter, OmniplexMAXX is the premium choice. Tickets cost a few pounds or euros more than standard, but the difference in experience for the right film is meaningful.

Omniplex Recline

<cite index=”37-1″>Select locations also offer Omniplex Recline, plush sofas, armchairs and sofa beds, ensuring every movie moment is enjoyed in exceptional comfort.</cite>

<cite index=”35-1″>Recliner and premium seats usually cost a few pounds more than standard tickets.</cite>

Recline seats are available at select Omniplex locations and provide a more comfortable, spacious seating option than standard cinema chairs. If you are attending a long film or simply prefer a more relaxed viewing experience, check whether your nearest Omniplex offers Recline before booking.

3D

3D screenings are available at most Omniplex sites for 3D releases. Glasses are typically provided at the door and are included in the ticket price. 3D tickets cost slightly more than 2D equivalents.

Omniplex Ticket Prices

<cite index=”35-1″>If you are looking for Omniplex cinema ticket prices, most Omniplex tickets cost between €9 and €14 depending on location and showtime. Weekday and off-peak shows are usually cheaper than weekend evenings.</cite>

For UK sites specifically, prices are broadly comparable to other mid-range UK cinema operators, positioned competitively below premium brands like Odeon IMAX or Vue boutique but above budget independents. Online booking is recommended for weekends and popular releases.

Concession pricing and discounts:

• Student discounts are available with a valid student ID
• Children’s tickets are available at a lower rate for age-appropriate screenings
• Off-peak weekday tickets are typically cheaper than weekend evenings
• Senior concessions are offered at most locations

Special Screenings and Programming

<cite index=”37-1″>Weekly screenings such as Kids Club, Sensory Screenings, Seniors Club, and subtitled performances ensure everyone can enjoy the magic of cinema.</cite>

These specialist screenings are a meaningful part of what Omniplex offers beyond standard commercial programming.

Kids Club: Regular discounted or free screenings of children’s films, typically on weekend mornings and during school holidays.

Sensory Screenings: Screenings designed for autistic children, those with sensory sensitivities, and their families. These run with the lights kept partially on and the volume reduced, allowing children to move around freely without it affecting the experience for others. This provision makes cinema accessible to many families who might otherwise find the standard cinema environment overwhelming.

Seniors Club: Discounted screenings for older adult audiences, often scheduled in mid-week daytime slots.

Subtitled performances: Regular screenings with English subtitles for deaf and hard-of-hearing audience members.

<cite index=”37-1″>Our programming includes foreign-language and independent titles, as well as seasonal content celebrating cultural moments.</cite>

Event cinema, including opera broadcasts from the Metropolitan Opera and Royal Opera House, ballet performances, and Andre Rieu concerts, also features in Omniplex’s programming schedule alongside mainstream commercial releases.

MyOmniPass: The Unlimited Cinema Subscription

<cite index=”41-1″>Omniplex provides a compelling subscription model known as MyOmniPass, which grants members unlimited access to movies.</cite>

MyOmniPass is Omniplex’s equivalent of Cineworld Unlimited or Vue’s subscription offer, allowing subscribers to see unlimited standard 2D films at Omniplex cinemas for a monthly fee. Specific current pricing should be confirmed at omniplex.ie or omniplexcinemas.co.uk, as subscription rates can change.

For regular cinema-goers who attend more than two or three films per month, a subscription typically represents better value than buying individual tickets. If you visit Omniplex four or more times monthly, calculating the break-even point against the subscription cost is worth doing before your next standard ticket purchase.

The Glasgow Renfrew Street Reopening: A Landmark Moment

<cite index=”34-1″>In May 2025, Omniplex acquired Cineworld Glasgow from Cineworld, meaning they now own the tallest cinema in the world and would rebrand it under their name after Cineworld leaves the building in September 2025. Omniplex announced on 27 October 2025 that they would be reopening the cinema in summer 2026 as the building will receive extensive refurbishments. It will open on 10 July 2026.</cite>

The Glasgow Renfrew Street building is a landmark in the UK cinema industry. At 12 storeys, it is the tallest purpose-built cinema building in the world. The £22 million refurbishment Omniplex undertook ahead of the reopening will introduce the chain’s signature formats including OmniplexMAXX screens and Recline seating to one of Scotland’s most iconic entertainment venues.

For cinema-goers in Glasgow and central Scotland, this reopening is significant. The site had been a major destination for the Glasgow film community, and its return under Omniplex management brings a well-funded, expansion-focused operator to a building that had sat unused since Cineworld’s exit.

The Avenue Belfast: Omniplex’s Boutique Concept

<cite index=”42-1″>Omniplex opened its nine-screen boutique The Avenue in Belfast in March 2023, a concept that integrated high-quality food and beverage into the cinema environment.</cite>

The Avenue represents a different strand of Omniplex’s development alongside its standard multiplex model. The food and drink offering, integrated kitchen, and boutique aesthetic position it closer to the Everyman or Curzon model than to a traditional multiplex. <cite index=”42-1″>Anderson described it as having been “an absolute gamechanger in teaching us how to integrate high-quality food and beverage into a cinema environment.”</cite>

For Belfast cinema-goers, The Avenue is worth distinguishing from Omniplex’s Dundonald multiplex, which operates as a more traditional large-format multiplex with 11 screens.

Food and Beverage at Omniplex

<cite index=”37-1″>At Omniplex, quality cinema snacks are at the heart of our experience. Freshly-popped popcorn, cinema’s most iconic treat, is made on-site at every Omniplex location.</cite>

Standard Omniplex locations offer the full range of cinema snacks including popcorn, hot dogs, nachos, sweets, and soft drinks. Select locations with enhanced food and beverage programmes offer more restaurant-style options.

Expert Observations: Why Omniplex Is a Meaningful Competitor

<cite index=”42-1″>In contrast to several UK multiplex chains still reeling from the impact of Covid closures, Omniplex’s business model proved resilient. The company operates without debt, owns or controls the majority of its locations, and is not exposed to the high lease structures that created financial strain for competitors during the pandemic period.</cite>

This financial stability explains why Omniplex was able to acquire Empire sites in 2023 and the Glasgow Cineworld building in 2025 while other operators were retrenching. A company without significant debt and with no dependence on external capital can move quickly on opportunistic acquisitions that financially stretched competitors cannot.

The speed of the Empire acquisition in December 2023, five sites rebranded and reopened overnight, is particularly telling. It reflects an operator with operational agility and a management team experienced in rapid integration.

For cinema-goers, this matters because Omniplex’s financial conservatism means it is less likely to face the kind of abrupt closures or administration events that affected Empire and Cineworld. The sites it operates are stable in a way that the industry’s more leveraged operators are not.

How to Book Tickets at Omniplex

Booking tickets for Omniplex is available through two channels.

Online booking: Visit omniplex.ie for Republic of Ireland cinemas or omniplexcinemas.co.uk for UK cinemas. Select your nearest cinema, choose a film and showtime, and complete payment. Online booking is recommended for weekends and new releases where seats sell quickly.

At the box office: Tickets can be purchased in person at the cinema on the day. This avoids any online booking fees but does not guarantee seat availability for popular screenings.

The Omniplex mobile app: The app allows ticket booking, loyalty scheme tracking, and MyOmniPass management from a phone or tablet.

<cite index=”35-1″>Online booking is recommended for weekends and new movie releases.</cite>

Accessibility at Omniplex

<cite index=”37-1″>Accessibility is important to us, and we’re committed to making all our locations inclusive and welcoming for everyone.</cite>

Practical accessibility features at Omniplex cinemas typically include:

• Wheelchair-accessible seating in all screens
• Hearing loop systems in auditoriums
• Subtitled screenings on a regular scheduled basis
• Sensory screenings for those with sensory sensitivities
• Step-free access routes at most locations

Specific accessibility information for individual sites is available by contacting the cinema directly or checking the individual cinema page on the Omniplex website.

Common Mistakes to Avoid at Omniplex

Not checking which format is showing. Not all Omniplex screenings are in OmniplexMAXX or 3D even for eligible films. Check the format listed for your specific showtime before booking. A 3D ticket for a film you intended to see in 2D requires a separate booking.

Booking through third-party resellers. Omniplex tickets are available directly through their own website and app, which ensures you have direct customer service contact if anything goes wrong. Third-party ticket resellers may add fees or have different cancellation policies.

Not checking the specific screen format at your location. Not all Omniplex cinemas have OmniplexMAXX. Check the individual cinema page before assuming your local site has the large-format screen.

Missing off-peak pricing. Weekday daytime and early evening shows are cheaper than Saturday evening peaks at most Omniplex locations. If flexibility is possible, an off-peak visit represents better value without any reduction in film quality.

Actionable Recommendations

1. Book online for weekend and opening-night screenings to guarantee seat selection, particularly for OmniplexMAXX auditoriums which have fewer seats than standard screens.
2. Check whether your nearest Omniplex has OmniplexMAXX before booking a blockbuster. The Antrim, Cork, Limerick, Banbridge, and Rathmines locations have the full-size MAXX screen. For Scotland, the reopened Glasgow site will offer Omniplex’s premium formats from 10 July 2026.
3. Use MyOmniPass if you attend more than two to three films monthly. Calculate the break-even point based on your local standard ticket price before committing to the subscription.
4. Look for midweek deals. Omniplex sites regularly offer reduced ticket prices on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, which represent significantly better value than weekend evening pricing for the same film.
5. Book Sensory Screenings in advance if attending with children with sensory sensitivities. These screenings sell out faster than equivalent standard screenings because demand from families needing this provision exceeds what many cinemas schedule.

Conclusion

Omniplex has moved in four years from being an Irish regional cinema chain to one of the most active acquirers in the UK and Ireland exhibition market. Its financial model, private family ownership with no debt, has given it the agility to take opportunities that more leveraged competitors could not. The result for cinema-goers in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the Republic is a chain that is growing, investing, and bringing its signature formats to sites that were previously struggling or closed.

For day-to-day cinema visits, Omniplex offers competitive pricing, strong screen technology through OmniplexMAXX, a genuine commitment to accessibility through sensory and subtitled screenings, and an expanding portfolio that now includes one of the most iconic cinema buildings in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Omniplex Cinemas? Omniplex Cinemas is an Irish family-owned cinema chain founded in 1991 and operated by Paul Anderson and the Anderson family. It has over 365 screens across 45 locations in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, England, and Scotland, making it one of the largest cinema chains in the UK and Ireland.

Where are Omniplex cinemas located in the UK? UK Omniplex locations include Northern Ireland (Belfast Dundonald, Belfast The Avenue, Antrim, Banbridge), England (Birmingham, High Wycombe, Ipswich, Sutton, Sunderland, Wigan), and Scotland (Clydebank, Glasgow Renfrew Street reopening 10 July 2026).

What is OmniplexMAXX? OmniplexMAXX is Omniplex’s premium large-format screen experience, offering floor-to-ceiling screens, HD digital projection, MasterImage 3D, and Dolby Atmos surround sound. The Antrim OmniplexMAXX screen, at 23 metres wide, is Ireland’s widest cinema screen. OmniplexMAXX seats are reclining leather chairs as standard.

How do I book tickets at Omniplex? Tickets can be booked online at omniplex.ie (Ireland) or omniplexcinemas.co.uk (UK), through the Omniplex mobile app, or at the box office in person on the day.

What is MyOmniPass? MyOmniPass is Omniplex’s monthly unlimited cinema subscription, allowing members to see unlimited standard 2D films for a monthly fee. Current pricing is available at omniplex.ie or omniplexcinemas.co.uk.

What are Sensory Screenings at Omniplex? Sensory Screenings are specially adapted showings designed for autistic children, people with sensory sensitivities, and their families. They run with the lights kept partially on, the volume reduced, and with the freedom for audience members to move around, making cinema accessible to those who find standard screenings overwhelming.

Does Omniplex have Recline seating? Select Omniplex locations offer Omniplex Recline seating, which includes plush sofas, armchairs, and sofa beds. Recline tickets cost slightly more than standard seats. Check the individual cinema page for whether your nearest site has Recline available.

Is Omniplex reopening the Glasgow Cineworld building? Yes. Omniplex acquired the former Cineworld Glasgow site on Renfrew Street in May 2025 and reopened it on 10 July 2026 following a £22 million refurbishment. The building, at 12 storeys, is the world’s tallest cinema building.

Who owns Omniplex Cinemas? Omniplex Cinemas is owned by Omniplex Holdings Unlimited Company, a private Irish company. It is operated by Paul Anderson, son of Kevin Anderson who co-founded the Ward Anderson Group that preceded the Omniplex brand.

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