Grogan's Castle Lounge in Dublin

Best pub in Dublin. Heart of the city but still has a great vibe and service that feels authentic. Shoutout to Luke behind the bar.

Stopped in for a quick drink. loved the outdoor seating. A great place for people watching. service was great too.

Had great fun sitting at table with other patrons and typical Irish pub

Probably the best Guinness in Dublin but the place is sooooo crowded! Good for them of course

Great atmosphere and service despite Joe busy it was. Typical Irish pub experience

This is a great spot for a beer. Very much a when in Rome spot… The Guinness just tastes better in Ireland. Did not try the food. Filled with locals - had a beer with a woman in a business suit on my left and a guy holding up the bar on my right. All packed in and all drinking Guinness.

J.J. Grogan's is my favorite pub in Ireland for many reasons. First, they pour as fine a creamy pint of Guinness as you can find anywhere in Ireland. Though they never stop pouring beer, they treat each customer as an honored guest. And if you come back tomorrow, Karl the barman will remember your name and the beer you had the day before. If you are looking for a pub steeped in Irish history and filled with regulars so interesting you'll want to meet them all, this is your place. There's no music here for a reason. You won't see people scrolling TikTok. Grogan's is a real place where you can meet and enjoy talking to real people. And while you're doing so, get them to make you a ham and cheese and tomato and onion toastie. And if you say hold the onions today, Karl the barman will remember it tomorrow when you come. Grogan's is special. Go there and have a special pint and an experience you will never forget.

Karl and his nephews are a blueprint in how an Irish Pub used to be run, but is a rare thing nowadays. Toastie and a pint of Guinness are the perfect combination.

Proper old man’s pub with great toasties.

Stepping into Grogan's Castle Lounge on South William Street feels less like entering a Dublin pub and more like arriving at the vibrant heart of the city's literary and artistic soul. In a downtown area constantly reinventing itself, Grogan's remains gloriously, steadfastly, the same—a haven for conversation, art, and, most importantly, one of the best pints of Guinness in all of Dublin. ​The reputation is well-earned. Whether it's the care taken in the two-part pour, the high turnover of kegs keeping the stout impossibly fresh, or just the pure, unadulterated "craic" of the setting, the pint of Guinness here is exceptional. It arrives with a perfect, creamy dome, velvety smooth from the first sip to the last. For Guinness aficionados, this is a pilgrimage site—a masterclass in how the Black Stuff should taste. ​But Grogan's is about more than just a supreme stout; it’s about the unique atmosphere. You won't find loud music or flashing televisions here. Instead, the soundtrack is the steady, warm hum of genuine conversation, debate, and laughter. The walls are adorned with original artwork (all of which is for sale), giving the space a bohemian, gallery-like feel. It's a genuine melting pot where poets, regulars, students, and tourists rub shoulders in cozy camaraderie. ​And a review of Grogan's wouldn't be complete without mentioning the iconic toasted sandwich. Simple, old-school, and satisfyingly cheesy, this classic Irish ham and cheddar toastie is the perfect, necessary accompaniment to the world-class pint. ​Grogan’s is an essential Dublin experience. It honors the best traditions of the Irish pub: great drinks, simple food, and conversation with friendly staff and fellow patrons. If you want an authentic, unforgettable pint of Guinness, skip the noise and head straight for the quiet, captivating magic of Grogan's.