Independent reporting and heritage records on this pub, drawn from a curated list of Irish news outlets, Revenue Commissioners, NIAH, and the Dictionary of Irish Architects. Every claim links to its primary source.
Revenue's renewed-liquor-licence register lists licence ref S0123 as a Publican's Licence (7-Day Ordinary) for J. GROGANS CASTLE LOUNGE at 15 William Street South in Dublin city, with KENNEDY SMITH AND COMPANY LIMITED as licensee.[1]
The Irish Times described Grogan's, also known as the Castle Lounge on South William Street, as a haven for artists since Cavan publican Tommy Smith and Paddy Kennedy took it over in 1972.[2]
The same Irish Times report said Grogan's quickly became known as the successor to McDaid's as Dublin's leading bohemian pub.[2]
The same article identified Grogan's as an unofficial art gallery where artists displayed work on the walls for sale.[2]
In March 2020 The Irish Times reported that Grogan's was among several pubs announcing a two-week closure because of coronavirus restrictions.[2]
That 2020 report said joint owner Donal Smith decided to close because the pub was too small to meet Department of Health two-metre distancing guidance.[2]
The same report said Tommy Smith had died the previous month at age 78 and had been recognised in Irish Times tributes as one of Dublin's notable publicans.[2]
In 2025 The Irish Times again identified Grogan's Castle Lounge as a historical haunt for Dublin artists.[3]
The 2025 report said Daniel Smith was a third-generation barman and grandson of Tommy Smith, who had taken over Grogan's with Paddy Kennedy in the early 1970s.[3]
The same report said Daniel Smith described the changing artwork on the inside walls as the pub's defining feature.[3]