Trad in the Trees: The Smithwick’s Síbín Stage at All Together Now
Trad in the Trees: The Smithwick’s Síbín Stage at All Together Now
Words: Rachel Hannon
Tucked away in the woods behind the bandstand at All Together Now, the Smithwick’s Síbín Stage is where the real magic happens. Trad sessions, spontaneous jams, and rare storytelling moments unfold in a space that feels part pub, part hideaway. Each day is a fresh mix of storytellers, curated to spark original moments that will never happen in the same way again. Expect candlelight, raw authentic talent, and the kind of musical energy that turns a quiet evening into an unforgettable festival memory.
When & Where?
From Thursday evening through Sunday night, deep in the woods at ATN – two intimate Síbíns and a small timber stage, with trad tunes flowing from day into night. Kicking off Thursday evening and rolling all weekend, musicians from the Smithwick’s Sessions at Dublin’s Pipers Corner will lead spontaneous trad jams inside the two Síbíns.
Who’s Playing?
Up She Flew: Friday at 16.30-17.15
This is a powerhouse trad five-piece from Kilkenny, bringing fiddles, whistles, uilleann pipes and pure session energy. Expect foot-stomping fire straight from the source.
Candlelit Tales: Friday (Music Session) 18:00 / Saturday (Storytelling) 15:00
Blending myth, music, and modern rhythm, this sibling duo retells Irish legends with raw passion and a live trad backing. It will be intimate, electric, and unforgettable.
Molly Donnery: Sunday 15:00-15:30
She’s softspoken but emotionally powerful. Molly’s poetic folk is steeped in tradition but rooted in the now. This will be a beautifully still moment in the middle of a wild weekend.
Madra Salach: Saturday 19:30-20:30
Without a doubt, they are one of the most exciting new names in alternative traditional, Madra Salach blend experimentation with deep tradition to carve out something entirely innovative and thrilling.
Keith Plunkett: Sunday 19:30-20:30
Haunting fingerstyle guitar and introspective lyrics from this West of Ireland songwriter. A melancholic close to the weekend energy, perfect with a pint in a hand.
Miles Reilly: All Weekend
Back by popular demand, Miles will be sketching the Síbín crowd live, capturing the music in ink, one portrait at a time. Who knows, you could be drawn having a jig? Come find him between sets and take home a piece of the magic.
Why Go?
Because these are sessions you’ll never hear again. Like the nature of Irish traditional music itself, the sessions will be unpredictable, passionate, and intimate. You could find yourself in the middle of a sean-nós singalong, a tin whistle-off, or a collab you didn’t expect. These could be the moments that make your whole weekend. See you in the woods at the Smithwick’s Síbín.
Smithwick’s wants to connect with communities who are seeking out and re-inventing old Irish traditions. Follow their Instagram for more information and upcoming events.
