Ed Sheeran played a VIP gig in Dublin venue Whelan's on Wednesday night, two days before the first of his sold-out shows at Croke Park.
The gig was organised by an Australian radio network, Nova, as part of its Nova Red Room Global Tour, which sees Sheeran and other artists playing to ticket winners in venues around the world.
On Wednesday, sources close to the singer confirmed that the intimate show was going ahead but were tight-lipped about the exact location.
However, it was later revealed that Sheeran was returning to one of his favourite live haunts.
Sheeran's friend and Croke Park support act Jamie Lawson also performed at Whelan's.
As a youngster, Sheeran saw Damien Rice play at Whelan's. He also played two shows at the venue for VH1's Storytellers programme last January.
There were rumours earlier on Wednesday that Sheeran would be heading to Oriel Park to cheer on Dundalk FC in the Champions League.
The rumour mill went into overdrive after his manager was in touch with the League of Ireland champions to request two tickets for the tie against Belarusian side BATE Borisov.
It's late in the evening... Because @edsheeran's played an hour over! Finishing out with #Sing. #Gentleman pic.twitter.com/GDRReOZbr6
— Grace O' Reilly (@graceyosmiley) July 22, 2015
Birds eye view. @edsheeran #NovasRedRoomGlobalTour together with @Optus Tune in tonight to hear the LIVE set. pic.twitter.com/mAOoAbQsDf
— Smallzy (@Smallzy) July 22, 2015
Checking out this dood in an intimate setting !!! Unreal #EdSheeran @edsheeran @whelanslive pic.twitter.com/3fZy21hU5M
— The Academic (@TheAcademic) July 22, 2015
Couch time @edsheeran #novasredroomglobaltour #dublin #ireland pic.twitter.com/s7D7ydKS8v
— Jonathon Moran (@jmoconfidential) July 22, 2015
— Siobhán (@SasstasticShiv) July 22, 2015
