Plenty of live music and comedy in Dundalk's Toales this week

There is plenty happening in Toales Live Venue in Dundalk this week.

Thursday 12th February - Fireside Sessions present KOI + Astraea + Tara Murphy at 9pm - Free admission.

Dundalk’s beloved Fireside Sessions promises another memorable evening of live original music in the venue’s intimate acoustic setting on Thursday 12th February.

Doors open at 9pm, and like every instalment in this long-running series, entry is free for all music lovers.

KOI returns to the Toales stage with his distinct indie singer-songwriter style.

A regular face in Dundalk’s live music scene, he’s built a reputation for compelling original material and creatively reimagined covers that keep fans coming back for more.

Support on the night comes from Astraea & Tara Murphy.

Together, these three performers offer an enticing blend of indie, acoustic and thoughtful original songwriting that fits perfectly with the cosy, fireside vibe at Toales.

Whether you’re a regular or heading down for the first time, audiences can expect up-close performances that highlight the craft of each act and foster a strong connection between performer and listener.

Friday 13th February - Fireside Sessions present Nick Puyane + Caoimhin Brady at 9PM - Free admission.

A long-standing and much-loved part of Dundalk’s live music landscape, Toales’ Fireside Sessions return on Friday 19 February, reaffirming the venue’s commitment to original songwriting in its purest form.

The show begins at 9pm and, as always, admission is free, with Nick Puyane joined on the night by Caoimhín Brady in Toales’ trademark intimate setting.

An accomplished songwriter, pianist and performer, Nick Puyane is widely known for his work with Evil Harrisons, The 1922s and The Magnificent Loafers.

His writing has attracted vivid comparisons, variously described as carrying shades of Randy Newman, touches of The Divine Comedy, and even likened to Stephen Sondheim handcuffed to Gavin Friday.

Stripped back to a solo performance, Puyane’s songs stand out for their sharp wit, melodic confidence and emotional nuance.

Opening the night is the return of Caoimhín Brady, one of Dundalk’s most promising young songwriters. His introspective acoustic and indie-folk songs explore vulnerability, resilience and quiet optimism, delivered with a sincerity that resonates deeply in close-quarters performances.

Toales has built a reputation as one of the town’s most consistent supporters of live and original music, and the Fireside

Sessions remain central to that identity. By removing the noise and placing full focus on the songs, the series continues to offer both artists and audiences something increasingly rare: time, space and real connection.

With no cover charge and a strong emphasis on original material, this Fireside Sessions outing promises a focused, rewarding night of live music at the heart of Dundalk.

Saturday 14th February - SHINANNE HIGGINS + guests - Toales, Dundalk - Doors 8pm

Irish comedian Shinanne Higgins brings her acclaimed Edinburgh Fringe hit “10 Things They Hate About Me” to town this Valentine’s season, serving up a fearless, laugh-out-loud take on modern dating, emotional optimism, and romantic expectations gone spectacularly wrong.

A fast-rising name on the Irish comedy circuit, Higgins is known for her bold honesty, razor-sharp delivery, and an instinctive ability to turn personal disasters into shared laughter.

In 10 Things They Hate About Me, she hilariously investigates the ten reasons she suspects might make her completely undateable — from high hopes to recurring disappointment — delivering a show that feels both deeply personal and universally relatable.

Designed as a Galentine’s Comedy Special, this Valentine’s event offers a joyful alternative to the usual clichés.

The night includes complimentary Prosecco and a lineup of special guest comedians, creating a celebratory, welcoming atmosphere whether you’re single, coupled up, or happily swearing off dating altogether.

Fresh from its Fringe success, the show blends confessional stand-up with smart observations on relationships, self-awareness, and the chaos of trying to connect in the modern world.

Better still, 2-for-1 tickets are available on Eventbrite now, making it the perfect excuse to grab a friend and turn Valentine’s into a night of laughter rather than pressure.

Expect honesty, big laughs, raised glasses, and a reminder that sometimes the best way to survive dating is to laugh about it together.