Grogan's Castle Lounge on South William Street has been a beloved destination for pub lovers in Dublin city centre for generations - and the pub's old signage has been uncovered during restoration works.
People walking past the iconic city centre boozer might have noticed an unfamiliar sign on the front of the venue, but owners have reassured customers that the pub's name has not changed. In fact, the new sign spotted today is not new at all. It is actually a sign that has been hidden for decades.
"No, we've not changed our name," Grogan's Castle Lounge wrote on Twitter. "Some restoration work on our sign revealed this sign dating back to the 1950's when Grogan's was under previous ownership and known as Bowes."
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There has been a pub on the site of Grogan's since 1899, and was known as a refuge for writers and literary folk since it became Grogan's in the 1970s. Grogan's has become known for its unique Dublin pub atmosphere, relying solely on conversation and its offerings of pints and toasted sandwiches to attract visitors. You will never find music (live or otherwise) or a TV here. Until recent years, the pub only accepted cash.
This unique offering came about when renowned Dublin barman Paddy O’Brian joined the Grogan's team in 1972. Having previously worked in McDaid's on Harry Street, he brought with him poets and writers, such as Patrick Kavanagh, Flann O’Brien, J.P. Donleavy and Liam O’Flaherty, to Grogan's who sought refuge in the quiet pub.
Nowadays, Grogan's will be packed on Friday and Saturday nights, with punters spilling out onto the street with pints of Guinness in hand.
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