Mystery buyer selling Carbon nightclub building two years after buying from Wetherspoons
The selling agents have alerted potential buyers that because permission has already been granted by Galway City Council in 2023 for a change of use from nightclub to licenced premises and restaurant, it ‘presents a valuable opportunity for alternative hospitality and leisure uses’
A mystery private buyer who bought Carbon nightclub building from Wetherspoons is selling the premises on after just two years for over €1 million.
The major UK pub chain - headed by pro-Brexit campaigner Tim Martin - shocked Galwegians when they announced in 2019 that they had purchased the former nightclub on Eglinton Street and had plans to turn it into a ‘super-pub’ - the first of its kind seen in Galway.
In July 2022, they applied for planning permission to carry out a €2.5 million overhaul of the iconic Carbon to create ‘The Three Red Sails’ or ‘Na Trí Seolta Dearga’ – a bar and restaurant over two floors.
But after a five-year back and forth between Covid and Council concerns, Wetherspoons scrapped the Galway super-pub alongside closing all of its bars outside of Dublin as part of a €10 million portfolio giveaway.
The Galway premises was a standalone sale during this time and was snapped up by a private purchaser in September 2024.
But two years on, it’s back on the market once again being sold through O'Donnellan & Joyce with a starting guide price at €1,150,000.
The selling agents have alerted potential buyers that because permission has already been granted by Galway City Council in 2023 for a change of use from nightclub to licenced premises and restaurant, it “presents a valuable opportunity for alternative hospitality and leisure uses”.
The advert, which was put up on Tuesday morning, says: “O’Donnellan & Joyce are pleased to present this exceptional city centre commercial opportunity to the market.
“Formerly trading as Carbon Nightclub, the property represents one of Galway City’s most iconic and well-recognised hospitality venues, occupying a strategic position within the heart of the city centre.
“The property extends to approximately 10,247 sq. ft. (952 sq. m.) GIA over ground and first floor levels.
“Although currently vacant, the accommodation comprises an extensive ground floor hospitality venue including bar facilities, nightclub accommodation, smoking area and ancillary support space.
“The first floor provides additional office, storage and staff accommodation.A significant benefit of the property is its dual access, with primary frontage onto Eglinton Street and direct service access from Mary Street, offering flexibility for future occupiers and redevelopment opportunities.”