Young Britons trade screens for real-world leisure

Young Britons trade screens for real-world leisure - gen z leisure trends — Darragh Cronin, retail director at Savills, highlights Gen Z’s demand for immersive ‘in real life’ experiences over traditional pubs.

Gen Z is prioritizing real-world experiences over screens, driving a major change in how UK and Irish businesses attract younger customers. The move away from digital entertainment and toward physical spaces has reshaped leisure industries, with venues now competing to offer immersive activities instead of traditional pubs or streaming.

Darragh Cronin, retail director at Savills, states that younger consumers specifically seek “in real life” experiences beyond typical pub settings. This demand has spurred growth in experiential leisure options, including golf lounges and high-end cinemas where food, drinks, and social interaction form the core appeal.

In Dublin, Dawson Street exemplifies this trend. Pitch Golf, which combines golf, games, and cocktails, opened its first Irish location in 2024 after collaborating with Trackman to incorporate real-time data tracking. Co-founder Elliot Godfrey told Golf Ireland that the sport is becoming more accessible and inclusive, aligning with Gen Z preferences. The venue features both high-tech golf analytics and a Bunker Bar for drinks, ensuring guests engage in both play and socializing.

Darts and neon: How Flight Club redefined Gen Z nightlife

Nearby, Flight Club Darts completed a €7 million renovation in 2023, transforming into a neon-lit arcade with glowing dartboards and carousel lighting. The project followed the expansion of its concept to the UK, Australia, and the US through franchise agreements. The rise of Luke Littler, the 19-year-old who won consecutive PDC World Championships in 2025 and 2026, has also helped reposition darts as a Gen Z attraction, moving it away from its older demographic.

Cinemas are also adapting to this shift. The Stella Cinema in Rathmines, Dublin, opened in 2017 with a focus on luxury, offering table service, premium seating, and food like fish tacos and margaritas. While ticket prices exceed standard multiplex rates, the experience extends beyond film screenings. Karl Geraghty, the cinema’s head, explains that the venue’s design intentionally creates an atmosphere where guests feel engaged rather than passive. His background in live music influences the theatrical approach.

Luxury cinemas battle streaming with ‘Stellafication’

Omniplex Cinema Group, operating 22 cinemas in Ireland and 22 more across the UK and Northern Ireland, invested €3 million in a five-screen venue at Nutgrove Shopping Centre. The group’s interim marketing manager, Gary Hughes, describes this trend as the “Stellafication effect”—a combination of ambiance, food, and service that appeals to younger audiences weary of passive streaming.

Last year, 80% of Irish Film Classification Office certificates were for films rated PG, 12A, or 15A, with one third of the audience aged between 15 and 34. Total box office revenue in 2025 amounted to €95.24m, which was down €7.2m from 2024, representing a 7 per cent decrease. This is a slower rate of decline than in 2024 when sales in Ireland fell by 9.5 per cent.

Businesses are rethinking venue designs to meet this demand. Cronin notes that developers now avoid standalone cinemas, instead creating multi-purpose spaces. Lane7, which opened two Dublin locations in 2025, merges bowling, darts, shuffleboard, and retro arcades into late-night activity hubs. Managing director Gavin Hughes calls it a place where evenings develop their own energy. The Chatham Street location, opened in April 2025, features boutique bowling, interactive darts, and shuffleboard in a layout encouraging movement between activities. Retro arcade elements add nostalgia, while modern gaming tech keeps the appeal current for younger crowds.

Global brands rush in as Ireland’s venues evolve

International brands are also entering the market. Roxy Ball Room, with 20 UK venues, plans its first Irish location in Dublin’s Central Plaza by late October. The venue offers multi-format gaming, including Crazy Pool and tech darts, with a flexible layout allowing guests to switch activities. Commercial director Ben Turnock explains that this adaptability matches Gen Z’s preference for dynamic social experiences.

The rivalry among these venues highlights how deeply Gen Z’s spending reflects their desire for physical engagement. While box office revenue in Ireland declined by 7% in 2025, the slower drop compared to the previous year’s 9.5% suggests businesses are responding effectively. This demographic actively chooses venues that support connection over passive consumption.

Roxy Ball Room’s Dublin location will bring its multi-format gaming model to the city, a concept refined across 20 UK venues. The Central Plaza venue, set to open in late October, will include Crazy Pool, tech darts, and other games under one roof, allowing seamless transitions between activities. Unlike single-format competitors, Roxy’s design prioritizes flexibility—guests can move from ping-pong to beer pong to bar seating without interruption. Turnock notes that this adaptability aligns with Gen Z’s demand for ever-changing social experiences.