Member spotlight

Cultúrlann Sweeney

Cultúrlann Sweeney has been a member of the access CINEMA network since 2015, and we’re excited to highlight their film programme for July’s member spotlight.

While summer is often a quieter time on the access>CINEMA network as many sites and clubs take a well-deserved break, Cultúrlann Sweeney in the coastal town of Kilkee kicks up a gear as the town sees a huge increase in their population every July and August. Cultúrlann Sweeney – a space which includes a theatre, gallery space and library – has developed a fantastic annual film programme of family titles to meet the extra demand during the busy summer. This year’s programme includes blockbusters such as The Wild Robot, but also independent and international animated films such as Flow.

This is on top of their regular monthly film club, which showcases the best of recent arthouse cinema in a season that runs from September through June. Recent screenings included The Teacher, My Favourite Cake and Mandoob.

Shannon Ryan from Cultúrlann Sweeney has put together the following reflections on their venue and programme…

Cultúrlann Sweeney in Kilkee, Co.Clare, joined the access CINEMA network on July 8th 2015 with a screening of Disneys Classic, Cinderella (1950). After a successful Summer of family friendly movies we saw the potential to screen one film a month for our older audiences kicking off with Hail,Ceasar! the following October. This was the start of the Cultúrlann Sweeney Film Club. Did it make cinema history? Maybe not. But for locals it was an evening of joy, of new beginnings, and of a seaside town reclaiming its place in the cultural conversation.

That’s the thing about Cultúrlann Sweeney: it might be small, housing just 108 seats, but this small venue carries the ambition, community, and connection to make its mark. Nestled right on the Wild Atlantic Way, this space is more than a theatre. It is also home to a library, art gallery, meeting spaces and a beautiful garden. Whether it’s a children’s film on a busy Summer night or an award winning Indie on a wet and windy Wednesday, the place is buzzing.

Behind the programme today are Shannon Ryan (Box Office Attendant) and Adil Vezir (Theatre Technician). Both have just celebrated one year in their roles and have already made an impact on their community. Before them, Tom Corry helped build the film club from the very first screening, and Siobhán Mulcahy, Arts Officer for County Clare, has been a steady hand over the project since day one.

Like most places, Cultúrlann Sweeney faced its challenges. But in Kilkee, the real enemy is often the weather. A particularly savage January earlier this year battered the building, ripping off part of the roof and taking the noticeboard and the internet with it. The very first screening of the year, King Frankie, was cancelled, but the resolve wasn’t. After fixing our issues and finding our noticeboard on the GAA pitch, the movie was rescheduled for February. Bad weather on the west coast is nothing new, but safety comes first. We’ll always put the audience before the projector.

From September to June, Cultúrlann Sweeney screens one film a month. A mix of Irish and international titles, always thoughtfully chosen. We recently trialled two films per month but plan to return to the single, carefully curated Wednesday night screening model. With such a wide range of films being shown there is something for everyone.

Some patrons turn up faithfully every month rain, wind or shine. That loyalty doesn’t go unnoticed. The best part of our week is hearing the audience reactions after a screening. Our regulars come regardless of the title, and it’s brilliant to hear such a variety of opinions from people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s always funny to see the older crowd react to something like Kneecap, and just as heartwarming to watch the younger audience connect with stories about the older generations like My Favourite Cake. That mix is what makes the nights so special.

Come July and August, things shift gears. Kilkee’s population swells from 1,200 to over 15,000, and the theatre rolls out a hugely popular Children’s Summer Series; one family-friendly screening every Thursday night, always a sell-out. It’s a joyful mix locals return weekly, while tourists (often shell shocked by the unpredictability of Irish weather) find a welcome refuge. The film selection ranges from big Pixar hits to thoughtful indie gems.

The space is more than just a film venue. The theatre is used all year round for community theatre productions, art exhibitions, educational talks, concerts, even yoga retreats and craft fairs. The adjoining gallery features a new artist every month, this space is kept busy with art openings, artist talks and the local chess club even uses the space for their weekly meeting. The meeting room and study spaces upstairs also see their fair share of art workshops and classes. With the library open 5 days a week even when there’s no shows scheduled, there’s always something going on.

What keeps the team going? A love for this small town. Kilkee deserves access to the arts just as much as Limerick or Dublin. The closest cinema to us is in Ennis, an hour away. So we’re passionate about providing a space where people can come together, make friends, and enjoy something meaningful. That belief in the locals has built something beautiful. A theatre that hums with laughter, tears, and the occasional howling Atlantic wind outside. A team that cares. And an audience that keeps coming back.

Here’s to many more screenings.