By Rachel Garvey
Recently, Galway has suffered a loss of one of its most iconic nightclubs, which has been welcoming in young students for the past nine years. For nearly a decade, Carbon has created unbreakable bonds among the employees that have worked there as promoters, bouncers and bar staff and unforgettable memories that will forever be remembered by Galway residents and NUI Galway students, who have experienced the nightclub’s addictive atmosphere. Carbon was an integral part of Galway’s nightlife and with the business now having closed its doors, Galway has lost a very important part of itself, a part which can never be replaced, but which will be remembered in years to come when people share their own personal anecdotes of their fun times in Carbon. The premises officially closed its doors on August 21st 2019.
SIN conducted an interview with one of Carbon’s former promoters, Luke Tannian, to get some inside information on Carbon’s closure as well as what he is expecting from Carbon’s replacement:
“Galway’s nightlife scene will change dramatically as first year college students and people at the end of Leaving cert cycle will now have to find a different place to go because Carbon was known as everyone’s first nightclub. Everyone in Galway has a story about Carbon because it was their first nightclub where they got in, it was a well known spot for new college students in NUIG and younger students who attended secondary school, who were in their final year, about to complete their Leaving Cert.”
Carbon’s replacement, Wetherspoons is hoping to impress Galway residents and hopefully fill the void that Carbon has left. JD Wetherspoon, which has already opened seven outlets across Ireland, is set to purchase the venue with plans for a 4,000 sq. ft. pub with a 1900 sq. ft. beer garden.
Luke also shared some thoughts with SIN about Wetherspoons and what his expectations are for the new establishment saying; “I expect it to be a pre-drinks pub more than anything else. I’m hopeful that it will be a good place for young people to go before a night out. From my experience, Carbon always had the cheap drinks and cheap food and was a fun place to go, so it will cause a dramatic change to Galway’s nightlife”.
Reflecting on all he will miss after Carbon’s closure, Luke shared a personal anecdote about his final night there.
“During my last night in Carbon I was called in to work on the floor and clear any empty glasses and clean up around the place. There was a group of girls hanging around and one of them came up to me and said, in the drunkest voice I’ve ever heard, that she wanted to marry me! Her friend came over and took her away and apologised to me!”
Luke’s story is one of many that he will always remember from his time in Carbon, as well as many other people who will revisit their own old memories of the popular venue. Galway has indeed suffered a great loss, but the memories and good times in Carbon will forever live on.
