The Oscar-winning actor, Cillian Murphyand his visual artist wife, Yvonne McGuinness, are the new owners of the historic Phoenix Cinema in Dingle, County Kerry, Ireland.

Having completed 105 years of operation as a cinema and ballroom, the ‘Phoenix’ will continue to be an independent venue previously named by UK media ‘Time Out’ as ‘one of the 50 best cinemas in the UK and Ireland’ .

“I’ve been going to see movies at Phoenix since I was a little kid on my summer vacations. My dad also watched movies when he was young and we have seen many there with my kids. We recognize his value to Dingle” said the award-winning actor with his wife adding.

“We want to open its gates again. And to expand the creative perspectives of the space, restoring its place in the cultural fabric of this unique city” he stressed, according to Deadline.

The historic cinema located in the center of the city was built by brothers Jimmy and Johnny Houlihan in 1919. After devastating fires in 1921 and 1938, the site was rebuilt twice.

During the following decades, it emerged as the city’s “cinematic paradise” and was a source of inspiration for its residents. In the 1950s, it changed hands, maintaining its identity as a cinema, concert and dance venue. In fact, it hosted Rory Gallagher in 1964, while in June and July 1972, crowds flocked to see David Lean’s film Ryan’s Daughter, which was filmed in the area.

His passion for cinema led Michael O’Sullivan to become its next owner in 1978 until its final screening in November 2021. Repair and renovation work is set to begin next year. “‘Bíonn obrí maithe mall’ (Good things take time)”underlined the famous couple.