New streaming platform to  showcase Irish films and documentaries

The platform is available across Ireland and the UK, with plans to expand into the rest of the EU and the US.

A new streaming platform has been launched which aims to support independent Irish filmmakers and includes work from the likes of Barry Keoghan and Ruth Negga.

Developed by director and producer Simon Maguire, Eiretainment.com is a subscription streaming platform that offers a selection of Irish films and documentaries.

It stems from an idea which Mr Maguire had before covid and he sought feedback from people in the Irish film industry.

“When I was reaching out to people they all thought I was mad, in that it seemed a bit far-fetched at the time. It’s kind of like a domino effect. It’s been a collaboration to this point.

“I can't take all the credit because people have kind of bought into the idea. They've given me their films, they have given me their expertise, they give me advice. And we've got some support as well from the local enterprise office at Dublin City Council,” he said.

So far, the platform is available across Ireland and the UK, with plans to expand into the rest of the EU and the US in the coming months. According to Mr Maguire, by subscribing to the platform, the public will be directly supporting the Irish film industry.

“We’re not really competing with the Netflix's of this world, nor do we want to. This is a subscription platform which focuses purely on Irish-made films and documentaries,” he said.

A monthly subscription to Eiretainment is priced at €6. Subscribers can get up to two months free by signing up for an annual pass priced at €60. The app is also available for download. The subscription can be cancelled at any time and there is no contract.

While Simon Maguire is originally from Dublin, he said it is important that this isn't a Dublin-centric project.

"It's very important to me that I get other voices from around the country involved,” he added.

Regional film manager with Film in Limerick, Paul C Ryan said: “The Irish film industry has become a global force in recent years and there is so much new talent coming up to watch out for, especially in the regions. 

"It's wonderful to see new platforms like Eiretainment shining a light on Irish film talent and on the next generation of filmmakers from across the country. I can't wait to discover some hidden gems on the platform."

Over the next few weeks, Eiretainment will feature online premieres, with a horror film to be featured next week in the lead up to Halloween.