Toales

09/06/2026

🔥 FIRESIDE SESSIONS RETURNS TO TOALES 🔥

Join us on Thursday, 11 June for another intimate night of original music as acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter Brendan McCahey takes to the Fireside Sessions stage, joined by special guest Peter Rafter.

Best known as the winner of The Voice of Ireland, Brendan McCahey has earned a reputation as one of Ireland’s most compelling live performers. Influenced by artists such as Elvis Costello, Roy Orbison and The Beatles, his songs combine sharp songwriting, memorable melodies and a distinctive soulful voice. In the unique Fireside Sessions setting, audiences can experience the music as it was intended — up close, personal and stripped back.

Opening the evening is Dundalk blues musician Peter Rafter, whose authentic approach to traditional blues and roots music has made him a familiar and respected figure on the local music scene.

Now entering its third year, Fireside Sessions continues to bring exceptional original artists to Dundalk in the warm and welcoming surroundings of Toales.

📍 Toales, Dundalk
📅 Thursday, 11 June
🕘 Music from 9PM
🎟️ Free Admission

Good Music. Great Company. Fireside Vibes.

08/06/2026

🎸 The countdown is on for the biggest local music showdown of the year as the third annual Battle of the Bands Grand Final takes over Toales on Saturday, 13 June!

After four fiercely contested heats, only four bands remain: Dundalk’s Ridibundi and Ecstasy, Naas favourites Burn Down The House, and Cavan rockers Mirrorglass. Each has earned their place through standout performances, originality and undeniable stage presence.

Doors open at 7.30pm, with the first act hitting the stage at 8.15pm. For just €5, music fans can enjoy an incredible night featuring four of the region’s most exciting original acts, all battling it out for a €500 cash prize, the championship trophy and ultimate bragging rights.

Now a firm fixture on the local music calendar, Battle of the Bands continues to shine a spotlight on emerging talent, following in the footsteps of previous winners No Vendors and Killjoy, who have both gone on to make their mark on the regional music scene.

This year’s event is being held in memory of Mrs Eileen Kirk, with all profits going to North Louth Hospice, meaning every ticket sold supports a worthy local cause.

With four judges, an audience vote and a champion set to be crowned on the night, expect a Grand Final packed with energy, drama, loud guitars and local pride. Don’t miss it!

07/06/2026

Are we ready to rock tonight??

We’re thrilled to be wrapping up our tour of UK and Ireland with a hometown show with The Gakk at Toales in Dundalk tonight! See yous there!

07/06/2026

What a night at Toales! 🎶🍻

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for the Left Éire Social Night and helped create such a fantastic atmosphere.

We were treated to outstanding performances from Messy Avocado, The Porter Boys Social, The Shamrock Showband, who kept the crowd entertained all night long.

Thanks to everyone who came along, sang, danced, and enjoyed the night with us. Your support makes these events so special, and we can’t wait to do it all again soon! Check out our page for more photos. We have more live music tonight so we hope you can join us! See you there!
📸 Gerry Cluskey

06/06/2026

06/06/2026

A huge thank you to the artists who performed at Toales last night and to everyone who came along to support live music. 🎶🍻

Kicking things off was Joshua King, taking a well-earned break from Leaving Cert studies to deliver a fantastic set of original songs alongside some expertly chosen covers. The future of Dundalk’s music scene is certainly in safe hands with young talent like Joshua coming through. .king_muse

Next up was another Toales favourite, Catherine McCrystal, who treated us to another outstanding performance of her own original material, delivered with the skill and passion we’ve come to expect.

Closing the night was local music stalwart Gerry Maguire, whose unique blend of songs and stories made for a memorable headline set. It’s always a pleasure to welcome Gerry back to the stage.

Thank you to all three artists for sharing their talent with us, and to everyone who came out to support them. We’re looking forward to more great live music over the weekend—see you there! 🎵🍻


📸

05/06/2026

Punk rock gets an early Sunday airing in Toales on 7 June as Maryland garage-punks THE DOWNSTROKES join Dundalk punk veterans The Gakk for a loud, fast and unapologetically rough-edged double bill.

Hailing from Frostburg, Maryland in the United States, The Downstrokes have been carving out a name with their mix of sharp garage-rock riffs, melodic punk hooks and old-school sweatbox energy. Currently touring the UK and Ireland ahead of their upcoming album The Furious Hours, the band bring the kind of stripped-back, high-volume punk rock built for sticky floors and packed rooms.

Joining them are Dundalk’s own The Gakk, long established as one of the town’s most relentless punk outfits. Blending classic street punk, ska and hardcore influences, the band’s chaotic live reputation and shout-along energy have made them a staple of the Irish underground scene for years.

With both bands rooted firmly in DIY punk spirit rather than polished modern gloss, the night promises a proper blast of distortion, attitude and volume in one of Dundalk’s grimiest live rooms.

Doors open at 6PM. Admission is €10.

05/06/2026

🎶 Thank You for a Wonderful Night at Fireside Sessions! 🎶

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us tonight at Toales Rock Bar for another fantastic Fireside Sessions evening.

The night got off to a brilliant start with Brian J. Melady, who treated us to a fine selection of songs that soon had some enthusiastic line dancers taking to the floor. Joining the fun were two very special guests, Big Scooby and Mr. Mutsy, who spent the evening relaxing, meeting everyone, and enjoying the great atmosphere.

Following that, Michael McGee took to the stage and delivered a superb performance packed with fantastic original material. It was a real pleasure to hear Michael’s own songs and stories, showcasing his talent as a songwriter and performer.

Thank you to Michael, Brian, Big Scooby, Mr. Mutsy, and everyone who came along and made the night so special. We hope to welcome them all back again very soon.

🎸 There’s plenty more live music coming up over the weekend, and we’d love to see you there. Join us for more great tunes, good company, and memorable nights at Toales!


📸 Gerry Cluskey

01/06/2026

Karaoke with our resident Karaoke King Nicky returns tonight AND tomorrow night at Toales!

Whether you're a secret superstar, a shower-singing legend, or someone determined to leave the crowd impressed, confused, or somewhere in between, the mic is waiting.

Get up, have a laugh, belt out your favourites and make a night of it.

Free admission. From 8PM.

29/05/2026

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for another wonderful Fireside Session at Toales last night.

We were delighted to welcome Daniel Gnatali from Rio de Janeiro, who opened the evening with a beautiful selection of songs in Portuguese that we all thoroughly enjoyed.

He was followed by local talent Tadhg Hilliard, who treated us to a set of soft, melodic originals along with some much-loved covers.

Closing the night was our headline act, the exceptionally talented Seán McCluskey on guitar and vocals, accompanied by Ógy Collins on keyboard. Together they formed a tight and captivating combo, showcasing brilliant original material and bringing the evening to a fantastic close.

All three performances were outstanding, and we encourage everyone to keep an eye out for these artists in the future. We’re certain we’ll be seeing them back at Toales again.

Thank you all for continuing to keep the fire lit by supporting both local and international musicians who perform here at Toales. Your support helps make nights like these possible.

We’ll see you over the weekend for more amazing live music and great acts. 🎶🔥🍻


📸 Gerry Cluskey