Sensinema

Song of the Sea and The Secret of Kells to screen outdoors in Herbert Park and St Anne’s Park as part of Sensinema’s accessible cinema programme

Dublin, August 18 2026 – Sensinema is bringing the magic of outdoor cinema to two of Dublin’s best-loved parks this September, with inclusive screenings of acclaimed Irish animated films.

The initiative, developed by Happenings and Neuroconvergence, is designed to make the outdoor cinema experience more welcoming and accessible to a wider audience by combining the atmosphere of cinema under the open sky with thoughtful features that allow people and families to enjoy the event in the way that works best for them.

Sensinema will feature Song of the Sea in Herbert Park on Saturday 12 September, followed by The Secret of Kells in St Anne’s Park on Saturday 26 September.

Both films come from Kilkenny-based animation studio Cartoon Saloon and have received international acclaim including Academy Award nominations. Drawing on Irish folklore, mythology and extraordinary hand-drawn animation, the films are particularly fitting choices for a unique outdoor celebration of Irish storytelling.

At each Sensinema screening, audiences will watch the film using adjustable wireless headphones, allowing guests to control their own sound level. There will be a more relaxed atmosphere and attendees are welcome to move around during the screening if anyone needs to take a break from the main event. An Access Guide will be available in advance, providing practical information about the venue, facilities, accessibility, sensory environment and what to expect on the day.  

The experience will begin before each film with a short pre-screening chat with experts in neurodiversity as well as some live music by members of Kíla who also created music for both films. This will give audiences the opportunity to settle in and enjoy an afternoon in the park before each screening starts.

Speaking ahead of the inclusive screenings next month, Happenings and Neuroconvergence founder, Peter O’Brien said: “Thanks to the support of Screen Ireland’s Audience Development Fund, Sensinema has been created around a simple idea: enjoying cinema together shouldn’t require everyone to experience it in exactly the same way. The screenings aim to create a welcoming environment for families, neurodivergent audiences, people with sensory sensitivities and anyone who simply prefers a more flexible and relaxed way to experience cinema. This is for everyone.”

“Rather than separating accessible screenings from the wider cinema-going experience, Sensinema will bring audiences together for a shared day out while giving individuals greater control over how they participate. Our ultimate aim with these (and hopefully future screenings) is to help shape an outdoor cinema experience that considers sensory needs and reduces barriers to participation, while creating an event that can be enjoyed by everyone.”

Sensinema is presented by Happenings and Neuroconvergence. Supported by Screen Ireland’s Audience Development Fund. With special thanks to the generous support of Cartoon Saloon, who have kindly donated the screening rights for both films. 

 

Ticket proceeds will support Neuroconvergence’s participating neurodiversity charity partners.

 

September screenings

Sensinema: Song of the Sea
Saturday 12 September 2026, 3pm-5.30pm

Herbert Park, Dublin 4

 

Sensinema: The Secret of Kells
Saturday 26 September, 3pm – 5.30pm

St Anne’s Park, Raheny, Dublin 3

 

Tickets and further event information are available through happenings.ie