A solid flash to the past bar - the outdoor seems the more popular spot when the weather is nice but the indoor feels like going to a pub in the 80's/90s. Tables are close to the ground and it can get quite busy so sometimes your table may be hard to get but they have a large pour for the ciders and a nice Guinness. Some food but not a huge menu. read more

An absolute MUST VISIT classic Irish pub. Great for people watching. It's in a great area to walk around. A bit touristy, but also tons of locals. Go in side for the real adventure. The bartender is hilarious and quite entertaining to watch. The pro order, so my Irish friends say, is a Guinness and a Toastie. What a treat. We'll be back!! read more

This pub was recommended by our tour guide, so we stopped by after dinner. It's a local, dive bar with communal seating. When we arrived, it was quite crowded and we were grouped with another couple visiting from the stages and a local Irishman. It's a cool vibe to come socialize with others. The space almost feels like you're hanging out at a friends' home. There also wasn't music playing, which was interesting --just lots of loud chatter. read more

Locals rec'd for a proper Guinness pint and it had a beautiful interior. Service was quick and to the point for the drink. Can't speak to the food but also told toasties were simple but delicious. read more

Grogan's is what I had imagined a Dublin pub would be like! There's not a lot to say other that that it's small, traditional, and quaint ~ it's certainly not trendy. Service is exceptionally friendly, the prices good, and the selection vast for such a small place. We visited every day we were in Dublin. read more

I love this place. Came in to escape rain. No tvs or music. They want people to communicate and talk. Art work on walls is from local artists. Only food they sell are "toasties" (sandwiches). They have whiskey! They have Guinness! And they have friendly staff. read more

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This joint is definitely in the top 5 list as well. Walking in...it's kinda divey with a decent sized bar and tons of communal seating! Seems kinda like a family run joint with an older gentleman bartending with a couple of older ladies as well as some younger girls too. This place is BUSY as hell... I counted 200 pints of Guinness poured here in an hour! Best bet is to try and snag a seat at the far end of the bar where the locals hang out until they can't stand it anymore. Only food item here are the famous Toasties which they were making 8 at a crack all day long! I didn't try but a local next to me remarked that they weren't as good as the used to be!? Good spot for 4 pints & the people watching is unmatched// talk later read more

This was my favorite bar I went to. The staff is very busy and makes toasted sandwiches non stop. Met some friendly locals at the bar and had a blast. I looked up dive bars and this place popped up on Yelp. Not a real divey type place in my estimation. read more

Great pub located near city center. Great bar staff, highly recommend if you are looking for a pub in Dublin.

Came to this local pub as by a suggestion from a lovely girl in Kilkenny. As like so many other pubs this place serves your usual beers here in Ireland. The staff seemed friendly, but short in conversation. All orders for drinks or food have to be made at the counter. The food though will be delivered to your table. There are some seating outside, but plenty of smaller tables inside. There was pretty much only two things on the menu: toasted ham and cheese sandwich or toasted ham and cheese with tomato and fresh cut onions (special). It tasted like your average sandwich delivered to you from the counter and you have your choice of Dijon or standard yellow mustard from Coleman's. I must say they went quite heavy on the onions for me, because I had the same nasal burn effect like when I eat too much wasabi. If we had the choice to eat or drink here again, I unfortunately would just walk actoos the way and go somewhere else. read more

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Wonderful and chilled pre-Christmas/post shopping vibe - buzzing at lunchtime. Lovely Guinness and toasties too read more

Grogans Castle Lounge - Post Christmas shopping delicious Guinness. Paired with a toastie - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

I mean did u go to Dublin if you didn't go to a pub? Lol. I was recommended this place by a local who sat next to me on the plane from Nice. She told me to try the "toastie" so that's what I came for. It was pretty much a simple cheese sandwich toasted (you can add ham, I've included the menu in my photos). It was good and the workers were excited that I wanted to try it. I do not drink beer (all are nasty), but they did give me a sample of the Irish favorite Guinness. My airplane airplane friend told me I must try it because it tastes like no other in the world. Idk about all that, it wasn't appealing to me. This place is always crowded especially at night so there must be a reason for that! read more

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Grogan's is what it is and is getting the review it's getting because of the atmosphere, vibe, smoking area and relatively good Guinness. I have been coming here for years and years. A bit of an institution around that part of Dublin. I like the mix of clientele. Hipsters to old men. Well less of the hipsters please! But I guess what I am saying is this is a Dublin pub. A good Dublin pub should be able to bring every type of person in through it's doors and for them to enjoy the experience. Grogan's does just that. Staff are very friendly. Decor is as a Dublin pub should be. Divey! Toasted sandwiches are not amazing when sober. But amazing when drunk. I think people get a little too over excited about the sambos. But they are good soakage nonetheless. Day time is my favourite time here. Bring your laptop, newspaper or book. Order a Guinness and a sambo and chill for a couple of hours. read more

Grogans Castle Lounge - The Black Stuff - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

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I don't know anyone who calls it the "Castle Lounge" it's "GROGANS" dammit! Why, if we started calling it the Castle Lounge then I suppose we'd also have to start calling the Gravediggers....eh.....that name that's printed on the front. The details aren't important, it's the principal of the issue. Grogans is part of Dublins literary history as Michael rightly pointed out. And a part of Dublins cultural make-up as Laura rightly pointed out. And on top of all that, on top of all that untouchable holy greatness, it's a damn fine boozer. Pints are excellent of course, that's without question. read more

Grogans Castle Lounge - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

Great boozer. Added bonus of no TV. Propper ham and cheese toastie to fill you up in between pints of pints of plain. If you are a visitor to Dublin. This place is definitely worth a visit read more

Grogans Castle Lounge - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

There's no better place to nurse a pint on a warm Summer's evening than outside Grogans... This place just oozes the unpretentious, laid-back cool of a pub that isn't trying to be cool. I love the inside section which is very trad Irish pub, and I'm just adoring the horrendous bright fluoros!! So tacky but so cool at the same time. A big must-see is the sandwich fridge. Yes I found it hard to believe myself, and did a bit of a double take (and mental check up on the number of pints I'd consumed prior to the discovery) before I actually believed my eyes. It's a small bar fridge with glass door, revealing layers and layers of pre-made cheese and tomato sandwiches, all ready for the toast. So I would probably take Kate's advice and avoid the sambos... by the looks they've been sitting there all week, just waiting for the poor inebriated sucker who's too intoxicated to notice the mould... ewww! But sandwiches aside, this is a bar in a million. Claim yourself a perch inside if you're lucky enough to spot one, or else chill out outdoors if the weather's good. Just watch out for the coke pushers... read more

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This pub became my third place when I was in Dublin for a week. Mostly because the bartenders were engaging and kind. I was told to get a ham and cheese toasty and I was completely satisfied by it. The next day I bought a ham and cheese toasty with onions and tomatoes! Spectacular! A great place to go for a good plate of Guinness and some great conversation! read more

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Walked in here with 8 work colleagues, visiting Dublin from overseas, to have our first of Guinness of the night. There was an older barman - probably late 50's - patrolling the bar with an unhappy scoul on his face. I ordered 9 pints of Guinness from him and he took my order and did nothing with it. A younger barman then served me. When the pints arrived, I was told it was "cash only" - wait, what? - so while he went off to get the rest of the drinks, I realised I didn't have enough cash - a quick ATM trip was needed. When the younger barman arrived back and said "€45", I replied that I had no cash but before I could say that I was going to skip out to the ATM and get some, the older, barman barked at me from out of nowhere "THEN GO AND GET SOME!!". To which I replied, "keep your pints. I'll go somewhere else" - I probably threw and expletive in there too - and left 9 pretty good looking pints on the bar and took my group to the Long Hall and had a great night there instead. Sometimes people have bad days but some people just shouldn't work in this type of industry on their best days. This guy is the latter. read more

There are a lot of great pubs in Dublin but Grogans is a great pub that actually feels like a neighborhood haunt nestled in an otherwise rather touristy area. It is cash only, the only food they have is toasties (any combination of cheese tomato ham onion) for less than 5 euro, and it is damn satisfying with a fresh pint of Guinness. It's relatively small and very cozy. We stopped in on a Monday during the holiday week, and there were several locals that started sitting separately and then ended up at the same table chatting and laughing. Another guy was reading a book and writing. Great place to lounge and have a simple afternoon. read more

I love this place because of its simplicity. Good drinks and a great ham and cheese toastie with Coleman's mustard. Interesting locals to share conversation. Who needs anything else?!? There's always an amazing collection of original artwork to buy which makes this place so special. read more

I went here most recently during the water shortage which was a really bad idea. The taps did not work and I'll leave it to your imagination where else you need water. It was late enough on a Saturday when we got there so it was packed - uncomfortably packed. So we sat outside in the freezing cold and got pestered by pan handlers, on a side note that practise is getting totally out of hand. Some of them are so bloody aggressive, preying on drunk people. The bartender had to chase them away. I really like Grogans, but during the day. It's too much at night. It's a piece of old, pints are great and the crowd is so diverse and for the most part really friendly. read more

"giz a pint of gunniess and a toasted ham cheese and onion sambo yeah" I love that! a shamless dingy old pub surrounded on its door step by the "new" Dublin bourgeois and not giving a toss. Unpretentious in itself but, Grogans can be the dweller of the prentious themselves sadly. But forget about the local west brits and simons cafe type, The old gents at the bar make up for that. Littered with art for sale throughout imitating the gates around merrion on a sunday, and awash with that "not up its own arse" literary feel you might not expect from a place like this ( think more a Gravediggers than a Davy Byrnes). Rustic and welcoming. Go in, have a pint, have a toasted sandwhich (a lovely touch, rare now in Dublin pubs). I'm over selling the place without providing any real info, experience for yourself a pub bursting with more personality than a labrador... i think you'll agree read more

Hmmmm. I feel a little curmudgeonly giving this place a four star rating. Reason being that it genuinely used to be my pub of choice in Dublin, the one place I absolutely adored going to. It felt like a little slice of the wesht country right smack bang in the middle of South William St. Flann O'Brien, one of Ireland's great novelists, mentions this pub in his novel At-Swim-Two-Birds, when one of his characters says; "That same afternoon I was sitting on a bar stool in an intoxicated condition in Grogan's licensed premises." Grogans is indeed a bar unaltered for decades, unaffected by the Celtic Tiger and the mess left in it's wake. It's not uncommon to see lone patrons set up for the day in here, book or pen and paper in hand, no doubt soothed by the comfortable mellow surroundings. As many reviews before me have mentioned, they do a great ham sandwich, serve the pints fast and well, it's the cosiest of cosy pubs, and it's right in the heart of Dublin. They also support local artists by displaying their art on the walls which is quite a cool touch. The seating area outside are the icing on the cake for this old school boozer. Come rain or shine, these tables & chairs will generally be filled up by the young trendies that seem to be taking over this place. And herein lies my gripe. It really isn't the fault of the pub, but lately, it seems to have become a victim of it's own success. After my last visit, I thought about giving it a three star rating, disappointed as I was with the changed ambiance in the place. But, no that wouldn't have been fair, as they haven't changed a screeb, and have been doing the same thing for years. It's just that too many people have cottoned onto it. (Read: Hipsters!) Somewhere in the last year or two; shiny newness has become considerably 'out', and old-fashioned, 'vintage', rough around the edges, has become considerably 'in'. You will not get a seat in here anytime after 4pm unless you're very lucky, and if you do, you may need to bag yourself some thick rimmed glasses or a copy of Ulysses to fit in. Curmudgeonly? Me?? read more

One day somewhere on the cyber-sphere someone told me that Grogans had "the best toasties evurrrrrrr", so I waited with eager excitement for the perfect hangover to strike and venture over. Well, what a disappointment. I can only imagine that the person in question must have gotten confused with their vocabulary that day and when they said "best" what they really meant to say was worst. The outside bread was slightly burnt but the cheese was still unmelted, a cardinal sin in the toastie stakes. The presentation was pretty crabby too -plastic cutlery is such a turn-off. Nothing about this toastie would ever lead me to fathom why someone could rant about its positive qualities!? As such I'd say go for the drinks and ambience outside, but leave the second you feel the munchies coming on, lest you get duped into ordering one of these delicious-toastie-impersonators read more

I've been pretty lucky everytime I've been here...except for last Christmas when at 4pm and at the start of what was going to be a long one, it was standing room only. But every other time it was just a good place to have some drinks with some friends and enjoy the chat with friends or even other punters we'd struck up conversations with. the pints are always tasty and not for the love of God can I resist the smell of toasting cheese sandwiches. You never want chips after one. Solid A for Grogans! read more

Grogans - a Dublin legacy "That same afternoon I was sitting on a stool in an intoxicated condition in Grogan's licensed premises....The three of us were occupied in putting glasses of stout into the interior of our bodies and expressing by fine disputation the resulting sense of physical and mental well-being". (Flan O Brien, At Swim two birds) Perhaps the coolest licensed premises in Dublin; Grogans is the quintessential Irish pub. What's exceptionally cool about it is that, by modern "trendy standards", it's probably in no way cool at all. It's remained completely untouched by commercialism and almost completely untouched by time. A favourite haunt with alternative types - writers, actors, musicians, drunks, weirdoes and anyone up for intelligent conversation washed down with generous amounts of Guinness, Grogans is where to go if you want a real Irish pub. Quick Guide: The decor - very basic; the atmosphere; very friendly; the Guinness - very high quality; and the clientele - literary sorts: weird, interesting and (at times) frighteningly insightful! A picture from Flickr: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/129/416740333_b86c4b0eda.jpg?v=0 Outside, there's chairs and tables where you can smoke. Location: Grogan's Castle Lounge 15 William Street, Dublin, Ireland +353 1 6779320 read more

Roll up, roll up...for the best seat in Dublin. Honestly, on a nice day, there's no better place to sit nursing a pint (or more!) and watch the world go by. Situated on a busy pedestrian thoroughfare, the location could hardly be more perfect if you harbour latent voyeuristic tendencies. Bridging the gap between funky George's Street Arcade and trendy Grafton Street, the whole spectrum of Dublin's inhabitants - both permanent and temporary - are on show. Coupled with an indoors that retains much of the homeliness of Irish pubs, Grogans really is a gem. The drinks are reasonably priced, and as long as you don't mind keeping the company of patrons who range from old men sipping pints of Guinness to young 'hip' types (David Walliams has been spied drinking here on occasion), it's a veritable mix of wonderful and sometimes weird people. A word of warning however - don't go here for the food, go for the drink and the ambience...the 21st century hasn't really made it to the kitchen here,and the sandwiches tend to resemble what your parents were forced to eat on the beach as children. But maybe that's just part of this place's charm... read more

Grogans Castle Lounge - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

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One of the best pubs in Dublin! No tourist place - Genuine Irish people who get a honest pint of Guinness at any time of the day! read more

One of the best and coolest spots in Dublin. On a sunny day you'll find everybody driving here and a night a very eclectic mix of various persons. Inside they've art on the walls and the style of the place is just Dublin. The Guinness is amazing over of the top rated places in Dublin! read more

I have to give special props to a pub that is as matter of fact as Grogans Castle. When you walk in, you see a mix of business people just off their day jobs, old dudes complaining about the young kids and then a small fridge and a toaster. It only takes moments for you to realize that this place does not serve food, they serve toast and cheese sandwiches. The toaster is pretty legit. It's got four slots which means they can multitask, unless of course someone orders 5 sandwiches. Not a fantastic craft beer selection. They mostly have the Dublin pub standards with a couple O'hara's thrown in. I like this place strictly for the vibe and because, they make cheese toasties. As a tourist, I was happy to escape the normal traps in Temple Bar and I'm glad we stumbled in here. read more

The classic Dublin pub and hidden gem for tourists looking to escape Temple Bar (Epcot's version of Dublin). Arguably pours one of the best pints of Guinness in the country and specializes in making toastes cheese sandwiches, with ham if you like. The sambos come with hot mustard which you must slather over them for optimal deliciousness. Yes, Grogans can be very busy on a evening but that is part of it's charm, you'll have hipsters next to grannies, suits next to hippies. It's a bit of a neutral zone for all due to it's heritage, cosiness, good pints and sandwiches. Everyone has had a great night/day there at some point or another. Things to know - Have a sunday afternoon pint of the black stuff there - Grab a toastie - Turn the afternoon pints into evening pints then head on home for an early boozey sleep. read more

Loved the atmosphere at this pub and sitting outside was great too because the tables are larger than most other places with plenty of room in between (rare find in Dublin!). Friendly service. First time trying Lamp Beer and it was by far my favorite beer in Dublin. We were entertained by a talented street performer singing and playing the guitar. Can't go wrong! read more

Grogans Castle Lounge - Having a pint listening to some music! - Pubs Near Me - Dublin, D

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I have a sneaking suspicion that this pub is a place that grows on you. Like an itch you just can't scratch, it probably hooks its regulars back again and again for imperceptible, lovable and eclectic reasons. For those of us dropping by for a one-night stand, though, it's not a fabulous experience. It's (dare I say?) verging on dingy and tacky inside. In the warm weather it was so packed that the large majority of patrons were spilling out the side door onto the street, standing around smoking and chugging away in the early evening sun. Was it unpleasant? God no, it was fun to immerse ourselves in a largely non-tourist crowd and to feel the electric, pulsing LIFE of Dublin...but I can't say that the pub made us want to stay for another pint. Grogans, I'm sorry I never gave you a proper chance. I have a hunch we'd have had a rollicking romance. read more

Great atmosphere in here. I'm usually brought in by my Dad in the middle of the day to only return to college tipsy on pints of Guinness. The walls are covered in beautiful artwork a lot of it from local artists. The toasties are crucial. The quintessential Dublin pub read more

Perched outside of Grogans on a sunny afternoon is without doubt one of my favourite spots in Dublin. Being located on the corner of the pedestrianised Castle Way makes it a first class location for people watching. Inside is more shabby and less chic but it's your typical old man pub with sticky carpets and the most horrific toilets you could find but you wouldn't want it any other way. It attracts the most eclectic mix of people from flat cap wearing old men to artists and writers and of course the hipsters love it (Grrrrrr). They do a great no frills toasted sandwich that goes down great with a pint of Guinness. Also check out the great art on the walls - All by local artists read more

Jesus I love Grogan's. I don't feel like I've come home to Ireland until I've sat outside Grogan's with a decent pint, a cheese & onion toasty and some of my oldest mates around me - at least 10 times haha This spot is old Dublin like the Long Hall or Stags Head. It still has the old literary waffler's supping on pints while art, good and awful hangs for sale in it's hap hazard way. It has character, it has delicious Guinness (I live in LA where ya can't get a decent pint to save your life!), it has incredible clientele and staff.... it's so not pretentious ....exactly what a girl needs on a trip home to recharge the batteries. read more

Well this is one of Dublin's best known pub exteriors; everyone in Dublin having sat on the chairs outside at least once in their lives or at most twice a week. Drinking a pint and staring longingly at Gourmet Burger Kitchen across the street. Only a select inner circle of patrons know what the inside looks like or what beers they have on tap. One account by a Dublin resident who wishes to remain anonymous, described the interior as "An oddity of economical horror that remains every bit as chilling as the day it was first opened" I pressed for more information and was given this stark and unsettling account. "Cobwebs lye upon each old stool. Dark stains are apparent among the upholstery of many of the booths. Like stale wine, stout or blood. Although seemingly too black to be either of the former options. Almost otherworldly black. Vantablack. Strange portals that disorientate and distract from some of the more obvious irregularities.. An empty pint glass sitting on a small draped circular table with an inscription "Quis est iste qui venit" Latin for "Who is this who is coming?" Tracing my finger over the inscription, I felt a chill pass over my shoulders and heard the sound of flapping sheets. Upon turning around, I saw the figure of a spectre pursuing me from the furthest corner of the room. Immediately I ran, towards the nearest exit, knocking over some brittle furniture and hearing the smashing of glass as I tripped out through the precipice of the doorway. I slammed it behind me without looking back. Stunned in terror I walked to the steps of the Powerscourt Centre, threw on my sunglasses and had a smoke." read more

Grogan's is a gem of a pub. It attracts an eclectic crowd - from worker bees to auld lads to students and intense arty types. On a weekend night, Grogan's is heaving with punters spilling out onto the street for a smoke and then defiantly re-entering. It's the kind of place where interesting and whacky conversations flow freely and you could get chatting to a French trapeze artist or a weathered Dub who's 'seen it all'. It feels a bit like a mellow party where you can mingle with anyone and everyone. In fact, the Grogan's crowd has been known to carry the vibe onto an after-party when the shutters come down. This is real pub - there isn't a sniff of trendy city bar about it. Just go there! read more

Love this pub. On a nice day especially, love sitting outside, always a great buzz and nice spot to people watch. Inside as well could not be more authentic. Their toasties are amazing too. Must visit when in Dublin for a real Irish pub experience. read more

Probably my favourite place for a pint in Dublin. Where else can you have a gorgeous lady make you a cheese toastie, and sit around with friendly people and fabulous (or completely awful, but still kind of cool) art on the wall. Super well poured Guinness. Outdoor seating. Small enough. Big enough. Never a queue in the toilets. Great crowd. Great bar. read more