Drive In Movies are set to return at Mayo Movie World

The only cinema in Ireland to offer such entertainment over the festive season

Mayo Movie World in Castlebar decided to offer an alternative form of entertainment this Christmas and set about opening a Drive In Movie in their car park, as a safe, enjoyable entertainment experience for families to visit during the Christmas Season.

It opened on Friday, December 4, and operated every weekend until Christmas and also on December 29 and 30, showing between three and four shows a day.

It had taken months of organising between applying for a broadcasting license, sourcing a company to hire the screen and equipment, getting the car park ready, getting all the movies licensed and organising staff and an app set up to order and deliver food to your car.

The end result was that you booked your ticket on line, arrived in your car and you were checked in by a member of staff, you were directed where to park, you were given the frequency to tune in your radio, you ordered your hot food, hot drinks, popcorn and snacks from your car, they were delivered to your car, you watched the movie and drove off again after it was over, having a very enjoyable day/night outing never having to leave the safety of your car.

All the hard work paid off when families came to watch the movies and left feeling entertained after a safe and very enjoyable experience, for both adults and children.

Families travelled from all over Mayo, Galway, Roscommon and Sligo to visit the Drive In Movie experience.

Some of the many comments that were left by happy customers and they included:

“The two movies we went to were fab. I’ve heard nothing but positive comments from everyone that attended over the couple of weeks. Totally professionally run and enjoyable in these tough times.

“Thank you all so much for a fantastic experience. We were there yesterday to see Toy Story. The kids really enjoyed it & mighty service for snacks etc. Looking forward to it re opening again soon.

"Fabulous afternoon once again. A safe and enjoyable way of entertaining kids and they loved it. Hope ye continue "Drive Ins in 2021"

'Absolutely brilliant evening! Second time at the Drive Ins and thoroughly enjoyed it again. Hope ye continue them into 2021"

"Went there this evening for The Greatest Showman! So well organised, will definitely be back.”

“Absolutely brilliant. I hope it get the support it deserves. The staff are excellent, out in the wind and rain waiting on people, bringing food and drinks out to people as they sat watching the movie from the comfort of their cars.

"The film quality was excellent with the sound coming through the car radio. Well done Mayo Movie World and Frankie McDonald for putting on a great show. This is something I would go to regular if were on, a great way for the family to spend an evening and serious value for money. Well done all involved in this”

The Drive In Movies finished on December 30 when the new 5km restrictions came into effect.

However Mayo Movie World plan to start setting up the movies again as soon as is possible over the coming months.

This is great news, as we all need some well organised, safe and fun entertainment this year.

Well done to all involved in organising the Drive In Movies.

Pat Concannon, Breda Mulroy and Cora Mulroy of Mayo Movie World.