Kerry County Council has granted planning permission for the comprehensive renovation of the Phoenix cinema in Daingean Uí Chúis, Kerry. The purchase and restoration project is led by actor Cillian Murphy and his wife, artist Yvonne McGuinness, aiming to bring new life to the venue and expand its cultural offerings. This development marks a hopeful revival for the cinema, long embedded in the community’s history.
Plans to Transform the Phoenix Cinema into a Creative Hub
The approved scheme includes rebuilding the cinema itself, alongside the addition of exhibition spaces, artist residences, and other facilities designed to enrich the arts environment in the area. Originally established in 1919, the Phoenix cinema has experienced turbulent periods, including two major fires in 1921 and 1938. It was rebuilt by the Houlihan family after the second fire, inspiring the name “Phoenix” to symbolize its rise from destruction.
Over time, the cinema evolved into a multifunctional social hub, hosting drama performances, concerts, and dances as well as film screenings throughout the decades. Under the Moore family in the mid-20th century, it became a popular venue for showbands and later welcomed notable acts like Rory Gallagher and Dana.
The Community’s Role and Support in Securing the Cinema’s Future
The cinema was put up for sale in 2022 by the O’Sullivan family, citing the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their business. Concerned local residents launched a campaign to preserve the site, fearing it might otherwise be repurposed for residential or commercial projects. Extensive community consultations followed, with meetings and presentations held in the former theatre to gather input on the redevelopment plans.
The Government Rural Regeneration Fund has committed €933,000 in grants toward the project, demonstrating strong institutional support. Many letters of endorsement were received by the planning authority, particularly from members of the wider arts community across west Kerry. However, some submissions expressed concerns over possible increased pressure on street parking and neighboring properties. In response, Kerry County Council attached 13 specific conditions to the granted planning permission to address these issues.
Cillian Murphy’s Personal Connection to the Phoenix Cinema
Murphy’s ties to the West Kerry Gaeltacht region run deep, with his parents having visited for years. The actor now spends significant time there with his own family. He shared his lifelong relationship with the Phoenix cinema, recalling,
I’ve been going to see films at The Phoenix since I was a young boy on summer holidays,
Cillian Murphy said.
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.
Cillian Murphy added.
Building a Cultural Landmark for Future Generations
Yvonne McGuinness emphasized the broader vision for the site’s revival, stating,
We want to open the doors again, expand the creative potential of the site, re-establishing its place in the cultural fabric of this unique town,
she explained.
This restoration is poised not only to revive a cherished historic venue but also to create a sustainable cultural center that supports artists and enriches the community’s identity. By combining cinema screenings with exhibitions and artist residencies, the Phoenix will become a key cultural attraction in west Kerry once again.
As the project moves forward, local residents and supporters will watch closely to see how it balances heritage preservation with modern creative needs. The coming months will involve careful coordination to meet planning conditions and commence building work, setting the stage for a hopeful new chapter in the story of the Phoenix cinema and Cillian Murphy’s commitment to the Kerry region.
