Fireside Sessions in Dundalk's Toales expands this month showcasing acoustic live music

Here's what's going on in Toales Rock Bar & Live Venue in Dundalk this week.

Thursday 8th January - Fireside Sessions presents Joshua King + Astraea - Show starts 9pm

Throughout January, Fireside Sessions expands beyond its regular weekly format and takes up residence at Toales, establishing the venue as a consistent home for acoustic and stripped-back live music.

Running every Thursday, Friday and Saturday, the series presents a carefully programmed run of performances featuring a mix of local songwriters and nationally recognised acts, all delivered in the close, attentive setting Fireside Sessions has become known for.

Admission remains free throughout the month.

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As part of this extended January programme, Fireside Sessions presents the return of Joshua King to Toales, a Dundalk-based artist who is steadily carving out his own space.

Raised on the likes of Van Morrison and James Taylor, his songwriting carries a natural warmth and soul, while the influence of local voices such as David Keenan adds edge and immediacy.

It’s a sound that feels rooted yet forward-looking, shaped by the artists he continues to discover and learn from.

Live, he delivers with calm assurance, letting honest lyrics and memorable melodies do the heavy lifting.

Joining him on the night is Astraea, whose songwriting leans towards atmosphere and emotional subtlety.

Her material is shaped by gentle dynamics and a strong sense of mood, offering a complementary contrast that adds depth to the overall bill.

In keeping with the tone of the Fireside Sessions, the night centres on original music, a respectful listening audience and a relaxed, welcoming environment.

The event forms part of Fireside Sessions’ wider January run at Toales, reinforcing its role as a reliable platform for thoughtful live performance and emerging talent.

Friday 9th January - Fireside Sessions presents Catherine McCrystal + Rory Shaun - Starts 9.30pm

Throughout January, Fireside Sessions broadens its scope and takes up an extended run at Toales, turning the venue into a regular home for acoustic and stripped-back live music, and as part of this January programme, the spotlight falls on Catherine McCrystal, a Northern Irish singer and acoustic guitarist whose warm, expressive voice is steeped in the traditions of American folk, country, and bluegrass.

After more than 15 years honing her craft on stages at weddings and live events, she’s now embracing a new chapter—stepping forward as a solo artist with a set that blends heartfelt originals and carefully selected covers, delivered with confidence, nuance, and genuine emotional depth.

Sharing the bill, The Fireside Sessions welcomes back singer/songwriter Rory Shaun, who really impressed a packed Toales at his last headline show last year, showcasing his alt 90's-inspired songwriting and personal, introspective lyrics.

Staying true to the ethos established in previous Fireside Sessions events, the night places original music front and centre, offering audiences a relaxed, welcoming space to engage with artists up close as part of the wider January run at Toales.

Saturday 10th January - Fireside Sessions presents Rowan Murphy + Lucas McGeough - Starts 9.30pm

Throughout January, Fireside Sessions continues its extended run at Toales, presenting an expanded programme of acoustic and stripped-back live music, bringing together a mix of local and national artists in the close, attentive setting that has become central to Fireside Sessions.

Admission remains free throughout the January run.

As part of the programme, Fireside Sessions presents Rowan Murphy, a rising Dundalk artist whose indie-folk sound and stunning voice has been winning over audiences throughout the year.

Known for her thoughtful lyricism, classic Americana-leaning musicianship and the emotional clarity of her recent EP, she brings a quietly powerful presence that resonates particularly well in a room built for listening.

Opening the night is Lucas McGeough, last seen fronting local indie rock outfit Zogribs, now stepping out for a rare solo performance.

Stripped back and song-led, his set highlights sharp songwriting and a thoughtful, quirky delivery, offering a different side to an artist already familiar to local audiences.

In keeping with previous Fireside Sessions nights, the focus remains on original music presented up close, with an emphasis on atmosphere, attentive listening and a relaxed environment — another standout date within the series’ January residency at Toales.