About Toners Pub
Hidden gem among the best pubs in Merrion Square area, Toners Pub on Lower Baggot Street has been a fixture since 1815, boasting one of Dublin's largest whiskey selections, over 500 varieties! This Victorian-era beauty, with its mahogany counters, stained glass, and snug booths, feels like stepping into a literary novel. Joyce, Behan, and Kavanagh were regulars, sipping here amid the Georgian neighbourhood's quiet charm. Just a short stroll from Merrion Square's leafy paths, it's the ideal spot for a refined pint after exploring Oscar Wilde's childhood home at No. 1.
What to Expect
A vast array of Irish whiskeys, rare vintages, and top-notch cocktails complement creamy Guinness and local IPAs. The menu shines with gastropub fare: oysters, charcuterie boards, gourmet sandwiches, and evening specials like lamb shank. The front bar buzzes with after-work locals, while the secret garden out back offers al fresco bliss in summer. Live sports on big screens too, but it's the timeless atmosphere that hooks you.
Insider Tips
Opt for the whiskey tasting flight, staff know their stuff. Visit mid-afternoon for quieter chats in the historic snug. Pair seafood with a light ale. It's pet-friendly, so bring your pup. From Merrion Square, wander via Clare Street for the scenic route. Pro tip: Book the garden for groups; it's a suntrap. Toners embodies Dublin's pub culture, knowledgeable, unpretentious, and endlessly welcoming.