Country music star Nathan Carter has said he was “channelling his inner Johnny Cash” as he prepared to perform at Castlerea Prison last night.

The star, known for his version of US folk song ‘Wagon Wheel’, performed for staff at the prison to raise funds for charity.

The concert at a church at the prison on Thursday is also being broadcast to prisoners through the Prisoner TV Channel tonight.

The event has raised funds for the paediatric ward in Sligo General Hospital, Roscommon Youth Services and Mayo-Roscommon Hospice.

Nathan Carter performs in Castlerea Prison in Co Roscommon. Image: Supplied

Carter told Newstalk's Henry McKean he was looking forward to the gig.

"This is my first time ever being in a prison, nevermind performing, so this is unique show for me," he said.

"I'll be channelling my inner Johnny Cash.

"We're raising a good bit of money doing this and there's 300 people going to be at the show tonight.

"I'm looking forward to it, it's something very different for me".

Nathan said the idea all stemmed from a former inmate.

"There was a guy who contacted us a couple of years back who had been in prison and he'd written a very nice email to say that my music had kind of inspired him," he said.

"Stories like that definitely touch me and when the gig came in I was like, 'Yeah I think it's a good idea'".

Nathan Carter with Newstalk's Henry McKean at Castlerea Prison in Co Roscommon. Image: Newstalk

Henry McKean told The Pat Kenny Show it was a very unique experience.

"He performed in Castlerea Prison for prison staff and the community to raise money for local charities," he said.

"The prisoners will see the gig tonight on prison TV wired into their cells.

"Some people have questioned [why] nearly 400 prisoners could not watch this live in the prison church?

"I did get to meet a prisoner in his cell - he didn't seem to mind waiting to watch the concert tonight."

'Great for the prison'

Prisoner Bob, who has recently finished a catering course, told Henry it's great to be able to help.

"I think it's excellent for the prison; it's great as well [that] it's charity based," he said.

"We're allowed to donate some money the three charities which is great for the prison.

"It is for charity at the end of the day so it's great that we can all donate, we can all make cakes.

"It's just great to be part of the community."

Bob said while prison can be difficult at the beginning "when you get into a routine, get a job, get to know some people it can be OK," he said. "It can be pleasant at times".

Main image: Nathan Carter in Castlerea Prison in Co Roscommon. Image: Supplied