Performances by talented singer-songwriters to take place in Dundalk's Toales

Here's what's happening next week in Toales Rock Bar and Live Venue in Dundalk this week.

Thursday 15th January - Fireside Sessions presents BRIAN CASLEY + Aine Fox & Sophie Coyle - free admission - Starts 9pm.

Fireside Sessions continues its January takeover at Toales with a free live show on Thursday, January 15th, featuring one of Dundalk’s most enduring and respected songwriters, Brian Casley.

The long-running series has built a strong reputation for spotlighting original music in an intimate setting, and this latest edition leans firmly into that tradition.

A staple of Dundalk’s music scene for nearly two decades, Casley has played everywhere from small pub sessions to festival stages, sharing bills with many of the town’s finest musicians along the way.

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After the disbanding of his original group, The Seasons, he stepped back from songwriting, spending several years refining his craft away from the spotlight.

That period ultimately led him back to original material, with a renewed sense of purpose and clarity.

Now firmly re-established as a truly original songwriter, Casley’s recent work is marked by emotional honesty, careful arrangement, and a strong narrative thread.

His multi-instrumental ability underpins songs that feel lived-in and authentic, shaped by years of experience both onstage and off.

The addition of guitarist Liam Molloy has brought a new dimension to the project, with Molloy’s exceptional playing adding depth and nuance to Casley’s material.

Supporting on the night are Áine Fox and Sophie Coyle, two singer/songwriters whose appearances continue the Fireside Sessions’ ongoing commitment to original songs, close listening, and the shared atmosphere that has defined the Fireside Sessions.

Fireside Sessions Present BEDSIDE COMMUNITY + Tadhg Hilliard - free admission - Starts 9.30pm

Throughout January, Fireside Sessions has expanded beyond its regular weekly format, effectively making Toales its home for acoustic and stripped-back performances every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The programme has transformed the venue into a consistent hub for original songwriting, combining local artists with nationally recognised acts in the close, attentive setting the series is known for — and as with all Fireside Sessions events this month, there is no charge for entry, reinforcing the series’ long-standing commitment to making original live music accessible to everyone.

Bedside Community is a project started by multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter Roberto Tamburrini, a creation of carefully textured sounds that sits between indie, folk and experimental electro, favouring atmosphere and subtlety over volume.

His live performances thrive in intimate rooms, where songs can unfold naturally and reward focused listening, making them an ideal fit for the Fireside Sessions stage.

Also appearing is Tadhg Hilliard, whose grounded, narrative-driven songwriting adds another strong voice to the night.

His inclusion reflects the series’ ongoing focus on thoughtful curation and genuine musical connection rather than commercial spectacle.

Saturday 17th January - Fireside Sessions Present JULIAN LEAVY + Sean Gilsenan - free admission - Starts 9.30pm

Fireside Sessions rolls on at Toales this month, with Julian Leavy and Sean Gilsenan taking the stage on Saturday, January 17th for another free night of original songwriting.

The expanded programme has the series running every Thursday, Friday and Saturday in January, turning the venue into a dedicated home for acoustic and stripped-back performances.

Julian Leavy is a Dundalk-based songwriter whose music sits between folk intimacy and alt-indie grit. Shaped by a wide range of early influences—from soul, jazz and classic rock to blues and west coast sounds—his approach to songwriting is rooted in tone, groove and emotional honesty.

Inspired early on by artists such as Jimi Hendrix, John Frusciante, James Taylor and Elliott Smith, Leavy blends acoustic warmth with layered guitars and reflective lyricism.

Also appearing on the night is Sean Gilsenan, a Dublin-based pop/folk singer-songwriter known for his melodic, story-led original songs.

A multi-instrumentalist, he writes, records and performs his own material, blending contemporary folk sensibilities with accessible pop songwriting.

With a mix of rising local talent and recognised artists passing through, the month-long takeover keeps admission free from start to finish, encouraging audiences to drop in, discover new voices, and return week after week for more.