Oscar-winning actor Cillian Murphy and his wife, artist Yvonne McGuinness, have purchased The Phoenix Cinema, the only cinema in Dingle, Co Kerry, Ireland. The historic venue, which holds a century of cultural heritage, is set to undergo refurbishment next year, breathing new life into a cherished local landmark.
The cinema has deep personal significance for Murphy, 48, who hails from Cork. “I’ve been going to see films at The Phoenix since I was a young boy on summer holidays,” he shared. “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.”
A Landmark with History
The Phoenix Cinema has been a cultural cornerstone in the Dingle Peninsula since its opening in 1919. Originally built by brothers Jimmy and Johnny Houlihan, the cinema was reconstructed twice after fires in 1921 and 1938, eventually adopting its iconic art deco facade and phoenix floor mosaic.
Over the decades, the venue evolved, hosting not only films but also concerts and dance events. Legendary guitarist Rory Gallagher performed there, and it screened Ryan’s Daughter, the David Lean film shot in the area.
For years, The Phoenix also hosted the Dingle International Film Festival and a beloved Tuesday night film club, cementing its place in Ireland’s cultural fabric.
Revival and Creative Expansion
The cinema has been closed since the COVID-19 pandemic, during which rising costs, declining attendance, and challenging exhibition terms forced its doors to shut. Its previous owner, Michael O’Sullivan, had run the venue since purchasing it in 1978.
Murphy and McGuinness aim to reestablish The Phoenix as a vibrant hub of creativity. “We want to open the doors again, expand the creative potential of the site, and re-establish its place in the cultural fabric of this unique town,” McGuinness explained.
The couple’s vision goes beyond traditional cinema, with plans to integrate the venue into the broader cultural landscape of Dingle, a renowned tourist destination.
Murphy’s Stellar Year
This new chapter in Murphy’s life comes during a standout year for the acclaimed actor. His portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer in Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer earned him a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, an Academy Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award.
Murphy is also beloved for his role as Tommy Shelby in the BBC’s Peaky Blinders, which debuted in 2013. The Shelby saga will continue in an upcoming Netflix movie, with Murphy reprising his role alongside Barry Keoghan.
By preserving The Phoenix Cinema’s legacy, Murphy and McGuinness honor the past while envisioning a bright future for this historic venue—a project as enduring as Murphy’s cinematic career.
