Ruth Smith

Singer, songwriter and musician, presenter of Simply Folk on RTÉ Radio 1

Ruth Smith on the new generation of Irish folk talent

The popularity of folk music has been on a steady incline over the past few years, and with it a stream of events, festivals and shows with folk at the very core.

Irelands Favourite Folk Song • 07 May 19

Friends for HOPE - Irish musicians play for a great cause

Simply Folk host Ruth Smith writes for Culture about her latest project, Friends For HOPE, a charity project created with her husband, fiddler (and We Banjo 3 member) Fergal Scahill.

Music • 05 Nov 18

The classic '80s line-up of De Danann, with founder members Alec Finn and Frankie Gavin (pic via the latter's website)

Simply Folk Recommends: De Danann's Anthem

Every week, Simply Folk host Ruth Smith selects a classic record from the folk music archives. This week, she's chosen Anthem by De Danann.

Music • 19 Oct 18

Simply Folk Recommends: Andy Irvine & Paul Brady's masterpiece

Every week, Simply Folk host Ruth Smith selects a record from the folk music archives. This week, she's chosen the eponymous duo album from Andy Irvine and Paul Brady.

Music • 09 Oct 18

Simply Folk Recommends: Clannad 2 and the Donegal tradition

Every week, Simply Folk host Ruth Smith selects a classic record from the folk archives. This week, she's chosen the second album by Irish folk legends Clannad.

Music • 07 Sep 18

Simply Folk Recommends: A Woman's Heart beats stronger than ever

Every week, Simply Folk host Ruth Smith selects a classic record from the folk archives. This week, she's chosen the classic compilation album A Woman's Heart.

Music • 31 Aug 18

Simply Folk Recommends: Bilingua by Eithne Ní Uallacháin

Every week, Simply Folk host Ruth Smith selects a record from the folk music archives.This week, she's chosen Bilingua by Eithne Ní Uallacháin.

Music • 24 Aug 18

Stockton's Wing, pictured celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2017.

Simply Folk Recommends: Stockton's Wing shine a light

Every week, Simply Folk host Ruth Smith selects a record from the folk music archives. This week, she's chosen Light in the Western Sky by Stockton's Wing.

Music • 16 Aug 18

Simply Folk Recommends: The Bothy Band 1975 by The Bothy Band

The Bothy Band – an incendiary mix of driving folk-rock rhythms fused with complex contrapuntal layers of harmonic curiosity and robust melodic skill.

Music • 23 Sep 20

Simply Folk Recommends: The Dubliners by The Dubliners

Every week, Simply Folk host Ruth Smith selects a record from the folk music archives. This week, she's chosen the eponymous debut album by The Dubliners.

Music • 02 Aug 18