3. Best city centre escape: Grogan’s Castle Lounge
Central Dublin throbs with activity, particularly brick-paved Grafton Street with its boutiques, buskers and tourists. For a cheeky refuge, Dalton recommends Grogan’s Castle Lounge on South Williams Street. “[It’s] the tiny little one on the corner. It has the seats outside and all the mad art on the inside,” he says. “It’s close to [Grafton Street] so if you’re shopping or going to museums, that’s a nice one. Good vibe, good atmosphere. You sit outside around the corner and people watch on the inside. Get a book, sit down in there.”
Founded in the late 19th Century, cosy Grogan’s became a neighbourhood mainstay in the 1970s – and a magnet for local artists, poets and writers.
“It’s got all these paintings from random local artists, constantly in flux,” he says. “It’s a little bit like a gallery; it’s bright and kind of kooky which is quite nice. They do good toasties [toasted sandwiches] as well, if you wanted a little snack that goes with a pint.”
Address: 15 William St S, Dublin 2, D02 H336
Phone: +35316779320
Instagram: @groganscastlelounge
Conor LinnaneAt 400 years old, John Fallon’s is one of Dublin’s most historic pubs (Credit: Conor Linnane)
