When the Phoenix, one of Ireland's remaining family-run movie theatres, closed during the Covid-19 curfew and was later put up for sale, it was located in the centre of the beach town.

In recent weeks, there had been growing local rumours that the couple had shown interest in going to the movies.

They claim that they intend to extend the site's "creative potential" in addition to renovating and reopening a movie theatre.

According to the pair, the programming will take into account the Phoenix's status as the only movie theatre in a Gaeltacht region of Ireland. In Dingle-Daingean Uí Chúis, where the movie theatre has been an integral part of the town's social fabric for more than a century, news of the acquisition has been warmly received.

The town was becoming more concerned that the iconic building, with its unique art-deco façade, may be acquired by real estate developers due to its central location, and a community-led campaign had been launched to "save the Phoenix."

Murphy is well-known in the west Kerry Gaeltacht, where the well-known actor resides and spends a lot of time when he's not performing on stage or cinema.

His parents have developed close ties with the local community and have been visiting the area for many years.

The Academy Award winner mentioned his love for the Phoenix Cinema in a statement: "I’ve been going to see films at The Phoenix since I was a young boy on summer holidays," stated Murphy.

"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," he added.