Phoenix Cinema
Dykegate Lane,
Dingle
Dykegate Lane,
Dingle
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Additional Info
Architects: Henry J. Lyons
Styles: Art Deco
Previous Names: Cinema
Phone Numbers:
Box Office:
353066.915.1222
Manager:
353066.915.1222
Nearby Theaters
The Cinema was opened in 1918 and was destroyed by fire in 1921. It was rebuilt and renamed Phoenix Cinema, operated by Jimmy & Johnny Houlihan. It was operating as the Cinema in 1937 when it had been equipped with a G.R. sound system and 600-seats. In 1938 a fire destroyed that building.
It was rebuilt and reopened as the Phoenix Cinema and had been equipped with a Phillips sound system. By 1944 it had returned to the Cinema name. It was open nightly on Sunday, Monday and Thursday. By 1953 it was operated by Dingle Electric Light and Power Co. By 1958 it had reverted back to the Phoenix Cinema name and was operated by John A. Moore with a reduced seating capacity of 500-seats. A Western Electric(WE) sound system had been installed. The continued into the 1970’s.
In 1978 it was taken over by Michael ‘Francie’ O'Sulllivan and continued until closing in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. On 17th November 2021 it was announced that the cinema would be permenantly closed.
On 22nd November 2024 it was announced that Oscar winning Irish actor Cillian Murphy had purchased the Phoenix Cinema and it would reopen.
Today the Phoenix Cinema shows mainstream films and an "Art Film" on Tuesday Night.
Contributed by
Lost Memory, Ken Roe
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Recent comments (view all 1 comments)
The original cinema was built in 1918 by two brothers John and James Houlihan. It was rebuilt twice, once in 1921 when destroyed by fire and again in 1938 when it was probably renamed Phoenix. During the rebuild vats were discovered under the ground believed to have been used in the tanning of leather in days gone by. It was also used as a dance hall and had a DVD rental shop at the front in more recent times. It has been reported that the original Italian projectors were run on energy provided by burning turf, but these days it has digital projection and Dolby sound. It was run by John Moore from the 1950s until 1979 when Michael O’Sullivan took over. He is remembered for introducing the Art Film Nights which are still running but he passed away in 2011. It is still a family-run business and is one of the main venues in the Dingle Film Festival. It currently seats 150 in stalls and balcony.