The luxurious auditorium, housing 2,789 seats, opened to the public with the American colour talkie On with the Show.

In 2004, renovation work was carried out, moving the box office from the two booths located on either side of the entrance to what used to be an adjoining shop.

The confectionery counter has also been moved many times, it is now in a room to the left of the main entrance.

The cinema was used until 2017 during the Dublin International Film Festival, primarily for big-event screenings such as opening and closing night premiers.

In December 1934, Republicans demonstrated against the screening at the cinema of a newsreel of the marriage of Prince George, Duke of Kent, to Princess Marina.