Along the Salthill Prom, Seapoint Casino and Arcade has stood as a landmark of fun and community for generations.
Established in 1949, the original building began as the Seapoint Ballroom and Restaurant, officially opening on July 17, 1949, by Joe Costelloe, the then Mayor of Galway. It was built by Noel Finan, who bought the site and transformed what had once been seawater baths into a grand entertainment venue that helped put Salthill on the map.
Over the decades, Seapoint has evolved to keep up with modern entertainment. What once featured a ballroom that hosted big bands and dance nights has become a lively leisure centre filled with arcade games and casino fun. The building’s interior and exterior have been renovated many times, with new paint colours, extensions, newer games, and brighter lights replacing older, outdated machines but the warm feeling you get when stepping inside remains unchanged.
This continuous evolution has helped Seapoint stay relevant in an ever-changing, increasingly digital world. Despite these changes, the heart of Seapoint has remained the same. Long time customers still recognise the sense of familiarity and welcome that defines it.
One of Seapoint’s greatest strengths is that it appeals to everyone. On any typical day, whether it is rainy or surprisingly sunny, you might see grandparents gathering for friendly bingo, children laughing as they race between arcade machines comparing tickets, and adults enjoying the casino games, hoping luck is on their side. Few places successfully bridge generations so naturally. Seapoint offers a shared space where different age groups can exist together, creating an atmosphere that feels both inclusive and local.
For me, Seapoint’s importance goes far beyond its community role. My grandfather worked there until his retirement, and my father has worked there for almost 30 years. Growing up, Seapoint was an ever present feature of my life, though I did not fully understand its significance at the time. As a child, I simply wondered what my father liked so much about his job and why he had stayed there for so long.
That answer began to unfold during many walks down the prom beside him. People would stop to say hello, to wave, or to call out his name. Those moments showed me that Seapoint was not just his workplace. It was where he formed genuine connections with people who returned week after week and year after year. He was part of their routines, their memories, and their nights out. The respect and familiarity he received reflected the deeper role Seapoint plays within the community.
Even with all its renovations and changes, Seapoint Casino and Arcade remains a constant presence on the Salthill Prom. The games may be newer and the lights brighter, but the feeling remains the same. For my family, and for many others, Seapoint is not just a building. It is a symbol of progression, community, and shared history.
