Murphy, McGuinness to purchase iconic Kerry cinema

Actor Cillian Murphy and artist Yvonne McGuinness have confirmed the purchase of the iconic Phoenix Cinema in Dingle-Daingean Uí Chúis, Co Kerry.

Situated in the heart of the seaside town, the Phoenix was one of Ireland's last family-run cinemas when it closed during the Covid-19 lockdown and was subsequently put up for sale.

Speculation had been mounting locally in recent weeks that the couple had expressed an interest in the cinema.

They say their plan is to refurbish and reopen a cinema, as well as expanding the 'creative potential’ of the site.

The couple say the Phoenix's position as Ireland's only cinema in a Gaeltacht area will be reflected in the programming.

News of the purchase has been welcomed in Dingle-Daingean Uí Chúis, where the cinema had formed a central part of the town’s social fabric for over 100 years.

Given its central location, fears were growing in the town that the landmark building, with its distinctive art-deco facade, might be purchased by property developers and a community-led campaign had been underway to "save the Phoenix."

Mr Murphy is a familiar face in the west Kerry Gaeltacht, where the acclaimed actor has a house and spends much of his time there away from stage and screen duties.

His parents have been coming to the area for many decades and have forged strong connections in the local community.

In a statement the Academy Award winner referred to his fondness for the Phoenix Cinema:

"I’ve been going to see films at The Phoenix since I was a young boy on summer holidays," said Murphy.

"My Dad saw movies there when he was a young man before me, and we’ve watched many films at The Phoenix with our own kids. We recognise what the cinema means to Dingle," he added.

The Phoenix Cinema was first opened in 1919 but was destroyed by fire on two occasions in 1921 and 1938.

The Houlihan family managed to rebuild the cinema and its resurrection from the ashes inspired its name.

During the following decades the Phoenix became the social hub of the town, hosting drama, concerts and dances, as well as screening films.

Under the ownership of the Moore family, the Phoenix became a popular venue for the showbands of the 1950s and 1960s.

In later years Rory Gallagher and Dana (shortly after her Eurovision win) were among the well-known names to perform at the venue.

For almost a fortnight in 1972, the cinema witnessed long queues of curious locals seeking to feast their eyes on ‘Ryan's Daughter’. The film starring Robert Mitchum and Sarah Miles was a controversial movie in its time and featured many scenes filmed on the Dingle peninsula.

The Phoenix has been owned by the O’Sullivan family since 1978.

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The Tuesday night movie club was a must for film connoisseurs who enjoyed the hospitality of complimentary tea and biscuits served by the O'Sullivans from a kitchen table beneath the silver screen.

However, the onset of the pandemic brought an extended closure to one of Ireland’s last family-run cinemas. Citing rising costs and falling attendances, the O’Sullivan family eventually decided to put the cinema up for sale three years ago.

The Phoenix is the only cinema on the peninsula, with the nearest alternative over 30km away in Tralee.

The couple say renovations will begin on the premises next year.