Sad news.
Galway’s iconic Electric/Halo venue has announced it will be closing permanently.
Having operated for the past 30 years under various different names, the nightclub venue building on Abbeygate Street is set to be put on the market.
In an emotional statement, the venue attributed the closure to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“We regret to announce the closure of Electric, Halo and its associated businesses,” it said.
“For 30 years, this place defied the odds, changed with the times and stayed alive despite the tremendous challenges of operating a nightclub in Ireland.
“We have sustained over 600 days of complete closure, lost revenue, unpaid bills and reopening dates that never materialised.
“We have waited a lifetime for the licensing situation/nightlife economy to evolve to something resembling real viability.
“There are glimmers of hope – we are told that nightlife will reopen. We are told that changes are on the horizon.
“But there are only so many times that we can go back to our community and ask them to stick with us for another few weeks.
“Now the day has come that we can wait no longer. We are left with no other option but to put this building on the market.”
The venue said it hoped the building will continue to be a place for dancing.
“We hope Galway (and Ireland’s) longest surviving nightclubs are not lost forever,” it added.
“With heavy hearts, we bow out, wishing immense thanks to everyone who passed through our doors over the last three decades.”
https://www.facebook.com/ElectricGalway/photos/a.388203281236634/4747164258673826/
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
