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Why Is Phoenix Cinema in Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland Significant? Find Out as Cillian Murphy & Wife Yvonne McGuinness Plan Its Revival and Expansion.
Here is all you need to know about the iconic Pheonix Cinema recently bought by Cillian Murphy & Wife Yvonne McGuinness as the two plan to revive it. READ
Cillian Murphy is in the limelight once again, much to his dislike, for the right reasons. The Phoenix Cinema in Dingle, County Kerry, is getting a fresh start thanks to the Oppenheimer actor and artist Yvonne McGuinness, his wife. This iconic cinema, which has been a centerpiece of the community for over a century, holds deep cultural and historical significance.
Built in 1919, the cinema has been a gathering place for the people of Dingle and beyond. It was originally created as both a movie theater and a dance hall. Over the years, The Phoenix survived two devastating fires, in 1921 and 1938, and was rebuilt each time, earning its name and iconic phoenix emblem. Its art deco façade and mosaic design make it a visual landmark in the town.
As the only cinema on the Dingle Peninsula and the sole one in a Gaeltacht area, The Phoenix has played a unique role in preserving Irish culture. It has hosted countless screenings, from blockbusters to independent films, and was even a venue for live performances during the showband era. Local memories include Rory Gallagher's 1964 performance and the cinema’s 1972 screenings of Ryan’s Daughter, filmed nearby.
For Murphy, this cinema is personal. “I’ve been going to see films at The Phoenix since I was a boy,” he shared, emphasizing its importance to both his family and the town’s heritage. McGuinness also expressed her commitment to preserving the cinema’s legacy while expanding its creative potential, reports Deadline.
In its prime, The Phoenix brought people together for Tuesday film club discussions and screenings that catered to locals and tourists. However, challenges like rising costs and reduced attendance led to its closure in 2021 during the pandemic.
Now, Murphy and McGuinness plan to restore and modernize the cinema while keeping its history alive. They aim to re-establish it as a vibrant cultural hub, ensuring it continues to serve the community. The cinema’s unique position as a cornerstone of Dingle’s artistic life makes this revival a significant step for the area.
The refurbishment begins in 2025, promising a new chapter for The Phoenix, a treasured part of Dingle’s history. As the couple says, “Good things take time.”
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