Abbey Cinema

Detached three-bay three-storey Art Deco style former cinema, built 1945. Having projecting canopy to front (north) and single-storey lean-to additions to side (west). Now disused. Pitched corrugated composite (possibly asbestos) roof with vents, having rendered parapet wall to front (north) elevation with rendered coping and uPVC rainwater goods. Corrugated-iron roofs to lean-to additions. Rendered walls throughout with rendered plinth, having pilasters, raised platband, timber battens and rendered canopy with render die and signage to front elevation. Square-headed window openings having render sills and raised render reveals to front elevation, having multiple-pane timber and iron casement windows. Square-headed recessed porch to front elevation, having raised render surround, giving access to square-headed door openings. Rendered stepped approach and rendered square-profile columns, having single- and double-leaf and glazed timber doors. Recent iron-mesh gates to doors. Render enclosing walls with render and concrete block piers supporting double-leaf corrugated-iron gates to side (east).

This interesting building, built in the early half of the twentieth century, is a fine example of Art Deco architecture. Its symmetrical design includes towering pilasters coupled with an angular parapet wall which creates a sense of increased height to this impressive façade. Situated on the outskirts of Abbeyfeale, with similarly designed buildings, it makes a significant contribution to the variety of architecture present within the town. It is a significant reminder within Irish social history of a time when the local cinema played an important role.