This \u2018sketching\u2019 phase of the consultations had an almost-full cinema witness the unveiling of a potential model for the new venue, and a discussion of its possible uses.<\/p>\n
![\"Yvonne](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/4745922_22_articleinlinemobile_Cillian_20_26_20Yvonne.jpeg\" "\\"Yvonne")
Yvonne McGuinness and Cillian Murphy last year bought the iconic Phoenix Cinema in Dingle which had shut during the covid lockdown in 2021. File picture<\/p>\n
The ambitious plans for the approximately one-acre site include the addition of building of similar height next to the existing three-story cinema, the enhancement of the outdoor courtyard area, and the creation of exhibition and rehearsal spaces, as well as several residential studios for artists.<\/p>\n
The current main cinema area would be transformed into a state-of-the-art performance space with removable seating that would allow for films and theatre performances, as a well as music gigs.<\/p>\n
![\"Yvonne](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/4745919_22_articleinlinemobile_phoenix-03_20_1_1_.jpg\" "\\"Yvonne")
Yvonne McGunness, centre, at the consultation session at the Phoenix cinema in Dingle on Saturday, with planning consultant Laura Brock, left, and architect Andrew Clancy, right. Picture: Manuela Dei Grandi<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are building less than what a commercial developer would, but we’re building a good bit more than what Cillian and Yvonne would have ever envisaged at the start,\u201d said Mr Clancy, a director at Dublin-based Clancy Moore Architects.<\/p>\n
No budget was mentioned for what would likely be a multi-year, multimillion euro project, but those involved in the development are mindful of trying to ensure the planning process is as streamlined as possible.<\/p>\n
Ms McGuinness \u2014 a respected artist who has a house in the area \u2014 and her team are aiming to have their plans for the venue finalised in the coming months to avail of regeneration grants being awarded in spring 2026.<\/p>\n
The current co-owner urged local people in Dingle to engage with the development team as early as possible to identify any potential issues. \u201cI\u2019ve done a postcard drop. I’ve called into every street around here myself,\u201d said Ms McGuinness of efforts to spread the word on their proposals.<\/p>\n
![\"Having](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/4745925_21_articleinlinemobile_Sea_20Angling_20Festival_20Dance_2c_20August_201958_2c_20The_20Phoeni.jpeg\" "\\"Having")
Having opened in 1919, the Phoenix in Dingle served as a cinema, concert hall, and events centre for more than a century for the whole community including these revellers at the Sea Angling Festival Dance in August, 1958. File picture<\/p>\n
The final instalment of the local consultation sessions will take place near the end of September when more-detailed plans will be presented.<\/p>\n
The early proposals at the Saturday meeting seemed to be warmly received by attendees at the Phoenix, with issues raised such as the lack of facilities for the youth of the town, and the need for the building to be accessible for the elderly and people with disabilities.<\/p>\n
The architect confirmed the proposed new building would have a lift, and that upstairs rooms would be accessible and available for local organisations to avail of.<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/4745928_21_articleinlinemobile_IMG_8914_20_1_.jpeg.jpg\" "\\"The")
The Phoenix Cinema in Dingle.<\/p>\n
Mr Clancy also outlined the sustainable ethos of the new premises, with heat pumps as the primary source of heating, as well as the use of materials such as Irish timber, and low-carbon forms of cladding.<\/p>\n