Explore every episode of the podcast The County Measure

This week on The County Measure writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods gets to know the coastline, people and nature of Co. Wexford.

Colm Tóibín is a novelist from Enniscorthy. Here he recalls a bridge over the River Slaney and the landscape and history of Wexford. Colm's most recent book "Long Island" (2024) is a sequel to "Brooklyn". His previous titles include "The Master", "The Testament of Mary", & "The Blackwater Lightship". For more see www.colmtoibin.com

Vincent Woods explores County Kerry. He visits a rainforest on the Iveragh pennsula, a neamhóg builder and enjoys African fusion dance in Tralee.

'An Pláinéad Tiar' by Listowel poet and rapper Súil Amháin. The song flips the idea of the abandoned An tOileán Tiar (Blasket Island i.e Western Isle) into An Pláinéad Tiar (the Western Planet) and humans coming back to visit earth as a 'heritage' site. athPhORT is a new album by Súil Amháin & Bantum. For more see suilamhain.bandcamp.com/releases

"Vantage Point" by the Waterville based poet Paddy Bushe. Here Paddy recounts his love of the landscape near Cúm a’ Chiste and a special moment in history. Paddy has published several collections including Poems With Amergin (1989), In Ainneoin na gCloch (2001), & Peripheral Vision (2020). In 2006 Paddy received the Oireachtas prize for poetry.

Vincent Woods explores County Cork. He takes a boat trip through the city, walks along the Marsh in Skibbereen and hears about St. Gobnait in Baile Mhúirne.

"Only Ballhoppin" by Cormac McCarthy, a pianist, composer, arranger and conductor from Cork. 'I'm only ballhoppin ya' is a Cork phrase that means, 'I'm only winding you up'. The expression is one that Cormac associates with his grandfather. Cormac's album "On The Other Hand" was released in 2022. https://www.cormacmccarthymusic.com/

Sara Baume is a writer and visual artist based in west Cork. Here she recounts using Google Street View to virtually travel across the county towards her mother's house in East Cork. Sara's books include 'Spill Simmer Falter Wither,' 'A Line Made by Walking,' 'handiwork,' and 'Seven Steeples.'

In this episode Vincent Woods gets to know the coastline, people and nature of Co. Antrim.

Writer Jan Carson recalls her Ballymena childhood and her grandfather's tales of a monkey. Jan is the author of several books including 'The Raptures' (2022), 'The Fire Starters' (2019), and 'Malcolm Orange Disappears' (2014).

Vincent Woods explores Co Kilkenny. He visits the (real) Kilkenny Cats, Rothe House & the Castlecomer Coal Mining Museum. With writing from Niamh Mulvey & music from Annika Kilkenny

Niamh Mulvey is a writer and editor who recently returned home from the UK to her native Kilkenny. Here she reflects on the life and legacy of Lady Desart, who built the cottage that Niamh now lives in. Niamh's debut novel "The Amendments" was published in 2024.

"Annagh Lane" by Zack Boland is inspired by the street where he grew up. Zack Boland is a composer, arranger, and musician hailing from Co. Wexford. A graduate of MTU Cork School of Music, his music is deeply influenced by his roots, with much of his work reflecting the landscapes and memories of his upbringing.

Comedian Kevin McGahern recounts the unique dialect and character of his native Cavan. Kevin is currently on a nationwide tour with his brand new show "Shy Talker."

This week on The County Measure writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods explores the beauty and culture of County Cavan.

"Thinking of Names" by Evelyn Conlon recounts placenames in Monaghan. Evelyn is a novelist and short story writer originally from Rockcorry. Her most recent book is "Reading Rites: Books, writing and other things that matter" (2023).

In this episode the writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods explores County Monaghan.

Kevin Barry recalls his childhood visits to the home of his aunt in 1980's Ballingarry. Kevin is the author of "City of Bohane," "Beatlebone," and "Night Boat to Tangier."

Vincent Woods gets to know the culture, music and people of Co. Limerick.

In this episode writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods travels from Ballon to the Blackstairs and hears that community spirit is alive and well in County Carlow. Tailors, bakers, artists and locals guide Vincent around the Dolmen County. With music by Laura Quirke and writing by Sarah Breen.

Sarah Breen is a writer and journalist originally from Borris. Here she recounts returning to her homeplace along with her young family. Sarah is co-author of the Aisling series of novels, the most recent book is "Aisling Ever After" (2023)

County Longford. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music, and sport.

County Tipperary. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music and sport.

Vincent Woods explores Co. Derry. He attends SuperCup NI, and meets new communities and cultures in Derry City. The County Measure also features Soak performing a new spoken word piece about growing up in Derry.

Author Siobhan MacGowan was born in England to Irish parents and always regarded Tipperary as home. Vincent and Siobhan chat beside Lough Derg before she shares her new story "Tipperary So Far Away". Siobhan is the author of "The Trial of Lotta Rae" (2022) and "The Graces" (2023).

County Meath. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music and sport.

"Moore's of Market Street" is set in Trim, Co. Meath and recounts the passage of time for an old shop. Belinda is the author of "Solace" (2011) and "Tender" (2015).

County Dublin. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across the country exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music, and sport.

Dublin 19 is a postcode of the capital that doesn't exist. Poet Stephen James Smith imagines his hometown in the distant future. Stephen's debut album is "See No Evil".

County Roscommon. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music and sport.

Poet Amy Abdullah Barry describes her transition from Malaysia to Roscommon. "Flirting with Tigers" (2023) is her debut collection of poetry.

Vincent chat with harpist Fiachra Guihen at the grave of Turlough O'Carolan. "A Measure of County Roscommon" is a new piece of music composed by Fiachra.

This week on The County Measure writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods explores the culture, wit and landscapes of Co. Tyrone.

"You can't have a rainbow without the rain" recounts the childhood memories of Michelle Gallen growing up in Tyrone. Her debut novel, "Big Girl, Small Town" was shortlisted for the Costa First Novel Award. Her critically acclaimed second novel, "Factory Girls", was published in 2022.

"Teenage dream's so hard to beat" by Soak. Here, Soak recalls memories of growing up in Derry City and the importance of home. Bridie Monds-Watson AKA Soak has released 3 albums: "If I Never Know You Like This Again" (2022), "Grim Town" (2019) & "Before We Forgot How to Dream" (2015). For more see https://www.soaksoaksoak.com/

Vincent Woods travels around Galway. He visits a Travellers' youth group in Tuam, joins musician Máirtín O'Connor on the shore of Lough Corrib & joins marathon runners on Inisbofin

Ballinasloe based writer Nuala O'Connor has written a new piece of writing about being a "blow-in"

In this episode writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods explores the county identity of Offaly. He finds community spirit in Daingean, the moon in Birr and green and gold in Tullamore.

"'The Field". Offaly writer Ian Maleney contemplates a field on his father's farm close to Ferbane.

Writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods explores the uplands, valleys and coastline of Co Wicklow. He visits a mobile library in Rathdangan, a nature reserve in Newcastle, and learns to knit with the star designer of the sweaters from the film The Banshees of Inisherin.

Writing from Olivia Fitzsimons, commissioned writer for The County Measure Wicklow. Olivia's debut novel "The Quiet Whispers Never Stop" was published in 2022.

County Kildare. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music and sport.

"Ovidstown Hill" is a new piece of writing by Louise Nealon for The County Measure. Her debut novel "Snowflake" was published in 2021.

In this Stephen's Day episode of The County Measure, Vincent Woods travels to County Armagh and spends time with fisherman on Lough Neagh, road bowlers in Tullysaran, Rhymers in Armagh City and with storytellers on Sliabh Gullion.

Michael Hughes is a writer from Keady, Armagh. His short story "The old man of Drumlarg" is inspired by his homeplace.

"Keepsake" by poet Mícheál McCann recounts a journey between Derry and Belfast. Here he reflects on the nature of home while travelling with Marcel, his new cat. Mícheál most recent collection is "Devotion" (2024). He previously published the pamphlets "Safe Home" (2020) and "Keeper" (2022).

County Laois. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music and sport.

"Hillwalking in Laois" is a new poem by Pat Boran describing the landscape and nature of his native county. Pat is the current editor and publisher of Dedalus Press and his previous poetry collections include On a Wave of Light (2022), Building the Ark (2022), The Statues of Emo Court (2021), and Then Again (2019).

County Louth. Presented by writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods who travels across Ireland exploring county identity under the themes of arts, community, culture, history, music and sport.

"The Louth Measure" is a new piece of music by Irish fiddle player and composer Zoë Conway.