The Daily Star Ireland
Cillian Murphy, the actor known for his roles in films like Dunkirk and The Dark Knight, and his wife, artist Yvonne McGuinness, have officially confirmed their purchase of the renowned Phoenix Cinema in Dingle, Co. Kerry. Located in the heart of the town, the Phoenix had been one of Ireland’s last family-owned cinemas before closing during the Covid-19 lockdown and being listed for sale.
Rumors had been circulating locally about the couple’s interest in acquiring the cinema, and now they have revealed their plans to refurbish and reopen it. They also aim to expand the site’s “creative potential.” Murphy and McGuinness emphasize that the cinema’s unique location in a Gaeltacht area will influence the programming choices, reflecting its cultural significance.
The news has been warmly received by the local community in Dingle, where the cinema has been a central gathering place for over a century. There had been growing concerns that the iconic building, with its distinctive art-deco facade, could be bought by developers, leading to a community-led campaign to preserve the Phoenix.
Murphy, who has strong ties to the region, having spent time there with his family for many years, expressed his personal connection to the cinema. He shared that he had been a regular visitor since childhood, watching films with his father and later with his own children. Murphy noted the special role the Phoenix has played in the town’s history and community.
The Phoenix Cinema, which first opened in 1919, has a rich history, having been rebuilt twice after fires in 1921 and 1938. The Houlihan family, who owned it, drew inspiration from its resilience for the cinema’s name. Over the decades, the cinema became a vital cultural hub, hosting not only films but also drama performances, concerts, and social dances. The Moore family later took over, and the venue became known for hosting the popular showbands of the 1950s and 1960s. Iconic acts like Rory Gallagher and Dana also performed there.
One notable moment in the cinema’s history occurred in 1972 when Ryan’s Daughter, a film partly shot on the Dingle Peninsula, was shown for nearly two weeks, attracting long lines of eager viewers. The cinema has been owned by the O’Sullivan family since 1978, who continued to uphold its community spirit, including hosting a popular Tuesday night movie club where guests were treated to complimentary tea and biscuits.
However, like many other businesses, the Phoenix faced challenges during the pandemic, which led to its closure. With declining attendance and rising costs, the O’Sullivan family decided to sell the cinema three years ago. The Phoenix is the only cinema on the Dingle Peninsula, with the nearest alternative over 30 kilometers away in Tralee.
Murphy and McGuinness have announced that renovations on the cinema will begin next year, ensuring the Phoenix will continue to serve as an important cultural and social venue for the community.
