A FEASIBILITY STUDY is underway to determine future uses of the Mars Cinema buildings and land in Kilrush.

Tourism Development International (TDI) in January commenced the Mars Cinema feasibility study, Clare County Council confirmed this week. TDI were given the contract following a public tender process.

Examining if there is a market opportunity to develop a viable attraction or business at the former Mars Cinema buildings and lands for the benefit of the local community and visitors is the aim of the study.

A future concept plan for Mars Cinema must be fully informed by the local economic context and the future public realm plans for Kilrush, the Council have said.

A situation analysis is under way, designed to inform a future use of the former cinema based on market demand, ongoing town planning considerations and new area and town development initiatives.

During the second quarter of 2024, a public meeting will be held in Kilrush to outline the findings of the situation analysis and to seek community feedback on the emerging concept or concepts for the former cinema. No date has been set as of yet for this meeting.

Kilrush based Cllr Ian Lynch (IND) said he was “delighted to see progress” regarding “the redevelopment of the cinema. The project holds great potential for regeneration of Frances St and Kilrush Town Centre but equally it has potential to provide a great amenity for West Clare”.

Opened on December 17th 1950, the Mars Cinema closed its doors in 1991. The first film shown is believed to have been ‘Mr Belvedere Goes to College’ starring Clifton Webb. It was equipped with a western electric sound system and had a 34ft wide proscenium. It also held auctions and dances and was home to the Kilrush Operatic Society from 1951 to 1966.

Interior conditions were described as “in decay” in 2017, on August 22nd of that year a plaque was unveilved by film scholAr Dr Harvey O’Brien to mark the venue’s importance to local history.

Advertisement

Related News

judge mangan 1
Clare man (44) charged with street assault of retired judge (80s) to face trial at Circuit Court
dog poo bag
One fine issued for dog fouling in Clare last year
dr catherine peters 1
Senior UHL medics express confidence in process of HIQA review
RNLI CHARITY CRUISE_page-0001-2
RNLI charity cruise returns to Doolin
Latest News
judge mangan 1
Clare man (44) charged with street assault of retired judge (80s) to face trial at Circuit Court
martin daly cillian rouine 1-2
Rouine excels for Ennistymon to earn player of the week
ruan v clarecastle 22-08-25 darragh mcinerney rory o'connell 1
Clare PIHC: Big shocks as Ruan turn over Clarecastle, Bodyke down The Bridge & Tulla secure draw with Mills
dog poo bag
One fine issued for dog fouling in Clare last year
clooney quin v corofin 24-08-25 killian o'connor patrick finnernan 1
Corofin snatch unlikely draw with Clooney/Quin
Premium
clooney quin v corofin 24-08-25 killian o'connor patrick finnernan 1
Corofin snatch unlikely draw with Clooney/Quin
wolfe tones v newmarket-on-fergus 24-08-25 evan o'gorman peter power 1
Wolfe Tones seal senior status & send Newmarket-on-Fergus into relegation scrap
éire óg v feakle 24-08-25 darren moroney oisin clune 1
Fourteen man Éire Óg fight back to overcome Feakle as both sides qualify for quarter-finals
inagh kilnamona v broadford 24-08-25 keith white 1
Inagh/Kilnamona produce powerful finish to claim quarter-final berth at Broadford's expense
broadford v corofin 09-08-25 darren chaplin 1
Broadford kept aim of being in contention for knockout stages entering final round

Advertisement

Subscribe for just €3 per month

If you’re here, you care about County Clare. So do we. Did you rely on us for Covid-19 updates, follow our election coverage, or visit The Clare Echo every week for breaking news and sport? The Clare Echo invests in local journalism and we want to safeguard its future in our county. By becoming a subscriber you are supporting what we do, will receive access to all our premium articles and a better experience, while helping us improve our offering to you. Subscribe to clareecho.ie and get the first six months for just €3 a month (less than 75c per week), and thereafter €8 per month. Cancel anytime, limited time offer. T&Cs Apply. www.clareecho.ie.