Ritz Cinema & Ballroom Carlow

Carlow County - Ireland Genealogical Projects (IGP ^TM)

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The Ritz Cinema

The Ritz Cinema & Ballroom


The Ritz Cinema 1989
Source: The Nationalist "Carlow Changes"

Ritz Cinema to open.

Carlow's New Super Cinema.

This artical was originally published in the
Nationalist and Leinster Times, June, 1938.

The Ritz, Carlow's eagerly awaited new Cinema opens its doors on Saturday 18th June. The interior appearance of the Cinema is in keeping with the exterior, it’s beautiful broad proportion tapers down to an imposing proscenium which is fronted on either side by a gentle treatment. The decorative grills on either side of the theatre draw the eye to the screen

Through these grills a Plenum system of fresh tempered air is forced into the auditorium and by virtue of its automatic control ensures perfect ventilation at all times.

The Foyer is attractively designed, with a central pay box, and its right-had wall is completely covered with a huge mirror which gives a light and airy effect as a first impression.

The Balcony is reached by an imposing stairway which enters into a luxurious balcony foyer. It is interesting to note that the lighting of the foyer is affected without electric fittings as the walls are designed to act as reflectors in themselves. Through a short vomitory entrance one reaches the balcony which has a pleasant and easy rake with excellent sight lines from any of the seats.

The ground floor is divided into Parterre and Pit, has a spacious feeling, there being excellent height given under the Balcony. Special exits have been arranged to clear the house without interference with those awaiting admission for the next showing.

The main decorative treatment is simple, effect being given by warm and simple colour masses.

The walls are sprayed from pale rose brown lightening to cream towards ceiling all on a cream background.

Seating is the last word in luxury and the carpets and fittings generally are in keeping with the best theatres in the world. Every comfort has been provided and patrons of the Ritz will find that they have in their own town entertainment facilities which are unexcelled anywhere.

A distinguished gathering will be present at the opening performance on the night, proceeds of which are to be devoted to the Bishop Foley Memorial Schools, and the opening ceremony is to be performed by the famous screen and stage star, Miss Diana Wynyard, whose personal visit to Carlow will long be remembered. Most of us remember her unforgettable performances in many of the biggest films of their day, notably "Cavalcade". Altogether an event to be looked forward to.


100 Men and a Girl is a 1937 American musical comedy film


The Prisoner of Zenda is a 1952 film version of the 1894 novel of the same name by Anthony Hope and a remake of the 1937 film version and the 1922 silent version as well.

The opening programme will be headed by "100 Men and a Girl", Dianna Durbin's latest picture. For the end of the week another great super film will be shown "The Prisoner of Zenda".

A feature of the opening evening will be a Dress Parade by the famous firm of Brennan of Dublin.

We welcome the Ritz Cinema to Carlow and wish the management every success.

Nationalist and Leinster Time, June, 1940.

Carlow's New Cinema.

Carlow's New Cinema, an enterprise nearing completion in Tullow Street, will be officially opened for entertainment on Saturday 18th June. It will be known as "Ritz" the last word in super-cinema in the provinces.

Townspeople and those passing through Carlow have for months past observed the development of this immense structure in the business centre of the town. They have watched it grow from a steel girder skeleton to the embodiment of architectural excellence which it characterises in every way.

The construction has taken place on the site of the well-known Tynan's Hotel, an institution famous for many years throughout the provinces; it is now superseded by the Ritz showplace.

Luxurious Design.

Those who have had the opportunity of visiting the Cinema during its construction will have noted its spacious interior and the attention paid by the architect and the contractor, by the decorators and the electricians to its artistic exterior and interior aspect.

Money was freely expended in ensuring that all its appointments would be first rate.

The capacity of the theatre will be one thousand and almost all seats in the house are bookable.

"The Buttery"

An interesting feature of the Cinema will be the Buttery which is finished in red brick and plaster design, and is situated in the basement of the Cinema. It will be entered from an independent door. The underground bar is very well appointed and will probably be a favourite rendezvous. It carries the licence of the hotel.

"The Ballroom"

The only remaining feature of the old Hotel is the fine ballroom built several years ago by My Deasy. It was always one of the biggest and most popular venues for Balls and entertainments.

"The Architect"

The Architect for the Cinema is Mr Michael Scott of Dublin., who is President of the Institute of Architects of Ireland. He was appointed architect to the Irish Section of the New York World Exposition of 1939.

"The Contractors"

The Contractors for this new establishment are D. & J. Carbery and Sons of Athy and Carlow. A considerable amount of Athy brick has been used in the construction. The labour employed has been local.

"Sound Perfection"

As the Cinema is specially constructed to be acoustically perfect for sound projection, it should be one of the best in Ireland in this respect. The sound apparatus is that of Western Electric.

"The Foyer"

There is a fine foyer attached to the balcony which will be spacious enough for development as a restaurant or tea room.

"Mannequin Parade"

An innovation on the opening night will be a Mannequin Parade of the Margaret Brennan Mannequins, who will display the latest models in women's gowns and wearing apparel. This will doubtless excite a certain amount of feminine interest.

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