Ireland is set to get its first permanent drive-in movie theater in Co. Cork. Movie Junction, which is the brainchild of two Cork businessmen, is due to open a 170-car facility in the coming weeks just in time for the screening the latest Harry Potter movie, “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1”.

Promoters John Caulfield and Stephen Redmond, originally came up with the idea five years ago after they attended a drive in movie at the Cork showground, which was part of the Cork film festival.

Mr Caulfied said they had visited similar drive-in movie theaters in Germany where the concept is very popular.

Movie Junction will be located on a former carpet factory site at Killeaghcloyne near Carrigtwohill in Co.Cork. The new venture will feature six rows of parking, with each space sloped down so viewers can recline in their car seats to view the 2,500 square foot screen.

Drivers will be given an FM frequency to tune in, enabling them to listen to the film's audio through their car radio.

“It gives people more freedom, a spokesman told the Cork Independent.

“If you want to answer your phone, talk to the person beside you or bring the kids then you are free to do so. No one will ‘shush’ you for asking ‘why is he going into that room?’ There will also be staff there walking around to see if anybody needs anything and ensuring that it’s a family friendly atmosphere which is really what is being aimed for,” he added.

The cost is set at $21 (€16) per vehicle, the more people you bring, the better value for money.