Landmark Oasis nightclub in Salthill demolished

From this week’s Galway City Tribune – The former Oasis nightclub went ‘under the wrecking ball’ this week, reigniting generations of memories created when Salthill was the only place for revellers to let their hair down late into the night.

The current owner, Barry Fitzgerald, has revealed that plans for a 100-bed student accommodation complex have been completed and are ready to be lodged following the knocking of both the former music venue and an adjacent bungalow in Upper Salthill, which he also owns, on foot of an order by Galway City Council.

However, there are talks taking place about developing the Oasis site and the former Warwick Hotel site as a single entity. That building – also host to a generation of music lovers – was demolished two years ago and there is currently planning permission for a nursing home there.

The possibility of developing two sites could pave the way for a large supermarket in the heart of the seaside resort.

“At the present moment, I’m not really clear what’s happening to be quite honest with it,” Mr Fitzgerald told the Galway City Tribune.

Former owner Henry Greally said that after the many years he owned the venue throughout the 80s, 90s and noughties, he ‘never made a penny’ from the Oasis. But despite the fractious parting, nothing will take away his precious memories.

“The staff were like a family. I’m still in touch with them as well as many of our very loyal customers. We charged £2 at the door when others were charging £5. At one stage we had the largest sales of Heineken in Ireland.”

Mr Greally was a freelance DJ when he approached Jimmy Cunningham about leasing the Lenaboy Arms. He ended up buying it and called it The Oasis in homage to the two palm trees outside.
This is a shortened preview version of this article. To read the rest of the story and the history of the Oasis, see this week’s Galway City Tribune. You can buy a digital edition HERE.