Fifty Shades of Grey whips up Irish box office record

Universal Pictures says film made €1.34m over opening weekend across Ireland

Fifty Shades of Grey had a lucrative opening weekend in Irish cinemas, taking in more than €1.3 million, according to the studio behind the film.

Universal Pictures said the screen adaptation of author EL James's erotic novel had the most lucrative opening weekend in Irish cinemas of any film over the last two and a half years.

It took in €1.34 million at theatres across the island of Ireland within the first three days of its release, Universal said.

It said the takings made Fifty Shades of Grey a clear number one for the start of 2015, and places it tenth in the all-time top 10 for opening weekends in Ireland.

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The film, starring Irish actor Jamie Dornan as suave millionaire businessman Christian Grey who seduces college student Anastasia Steele (Dakota Johnson) into an S&M relationship, broke numerous records including biggest 18 cert opening weekend, biggest February opening and biggest Universal Pictures opening.

The release has performed strongly in the UK and Irish markets, and is expected to record continued strong attendances over the coming weeks.

It took in $81.7 million at the US and Canadian box office, and performed strongly in other markets as well to reach a global total of $240 million (€210 million).