Phoenix Rising

Every Tuesday night punters from right across the county converge on a small family run business in Dingle. The Phoenix Cinema is run by proprietor Michael O' Sullivan who does an introduction before the film, son Francis sells the tickets, daughter Cathleen sells the ice cream and son Sean prepares the complimentary teas and coffees before heading up to the booth to start the projector.

"The Phoenix has been here for 25 - 30 years," said Francis, "I've grown up surrounded by films and movies."

On this particular Tuesday, Christopher Nolan's latest nonlinear mystery, 'The Prestige', was playing. "Every great magic trick has three acts," we're told at the beginning of this plush period piece set in the early 1900's which revolves around feuding magicians. Starring Christian Bale, Michael Caine, Hugh Jackman and Scarlett Johansson, the film failed to live up to its supernatural billing but the experience of watching it was never less than enchanting.

The Phoenix, seating 150 people, is an oasis of calm in the cinematic cultural desert of multi-this and omni-that, if you haven't been yet - Go - I guarantee you'll enjoy the experience and, 'The Prestige' not with standing, you'll see some bloody good films.

The Phoenix Cinema is located in Dykegate Lane in the heart of Dingle for more info please call 066 915 1222 or log onto http://www.phoenixdingle.net/