Cillian Murphy and Yvonne McGuinness purchased Phoenix Cinema in Kerry

Irish actor Cillian Murphy and artist Yvonne McGuinness have confirmed the purchase of the Phoenix Cinema in Dingle, County Kerry. The cinema was originally opened in 1919, and had been one of Ireland's last family-run theaters before its closure due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

The cinema has seen various transformations throughout its history, starting from its construction by the Houlihan brothers, Jimmy and Johnny, and its opening in 1919. The venue faced two devastating fires in 1921 and 1938, which led to it being rebuilt on two separate occasions. In the 1950s, The Phoenix was sold by the Houlihans to John Moore, and it continued to operate as a cinema, concert venue, and dance hall during the lively showband era. Notably, Rory Gallagher delivered a memorable performance at the cinema in 1964.

In the current day, The Phoenix, celebrated for its art déco facade and central location in Dingle, has long been a cultural cornerstone in Ireland’s only Gaeltacht town with a cinema. The renovation of aims to help feature programming that celebrates both the Irish language and local culture.

Murphy, who has personal ties to the area, shared his own nostalgia for the Phoenix, recalling summer visits and the family tradition of watching films there. “My dad saw movies there when he was young, and we’ve watched films with our kids. We recognize what the cinema means to Dingle,” he said.

In addition to restoring the cinema, Murphy and McGuinness plan to expand its creative offerings. Locals, who feared the landmark might be lost to developers has widely welcomed this revival.

With renovations scheduled to begin next year after three years on the market, the couple’s vision intents to protect the legacy of the Phoenix while opening a new chapter for cinema culture in west Kerry.