The country's cinemas are defying the recession with business up more than 12% this year, according to figures seen by the Sunday Tribune.

After selling 18.2m tickets in 2008, Irish cinemas look likely to welcome almost 20m visitors this year. The summer blockbusters are proving more popular this year also, with attendances jumping almost 3% between May and June.

"This is significant as last year boasted one of the highest admissions records," said Lisa Shanley of Carlton Screen Advertising.

Shanley said that the dwindling number of families going abroad on holidays this year is boosting the industry, which is the most financially accessible form of entertainment for families now. "Going to the cinema represents a relatively cost-effective way to avoid negative news stories." Shanley said. "The average ticket price at any of the top multiplexes throughout the country is under €10 and delivers around 2½ hours of entertainment. Alternatively, two drinks at your local pub would cost in excess of €12 and certainly would not provide the level of escapism that the cinema offers," she added.

The new Harry Potter film is boosting attendances further. "This film was top of the 'must-see' list for 2009, but in general the incredibly strong admissions figures so far this year prove that cinema not only survives but thrives during an economic downturn. The movies are the ideal form of entertainment to distract consumers from the daily doom and gloom of the big 'R'," said Shanley.

It is expected that the figures will hold up in the autumn, when a record number of 3D movies will be released.