The County Measure uncovers the vibrant arts, history, heritage, and diverse communities of Co Antrim. Join writer and broadcaster Vincent Woods as he ambles across Antrim.

From musical beats in Belfast, the resplendent beauty of Rathlin, to a biker in Ballymena, Vincent takes a measure of all that the county of "the glensmen" has to offer.

"Antrim is more complex, engaging and unexpected than you might imagine. Not a place apart, but a place of many parts, deeply connected to more than one centre of loyalty, identity, history – and hope," says Vincent Woods.

Punk rockers Problem Patterns will perform at Glastonbury this summer and the Belfast band unveil their new song "I Think You Should Leave" on The County Measure.

The author Jan Carson will also feature with an exclusive piece of writing on the programme. Jan's most recent book is 'The Raptures' (2022).

The County Measure is a landmark RTÉ Radio 1 series that explores the identity and communities of Ireland's 32 counties.

Presenter: Vincent Woods

Producer: Colette Kinsella

Researcher: Simon Ó Gallchobhair

Lyrics of "I Think You Should Leave" by Problem Patterns:

(Ciara)
Belfast, the city, it's complicated,
Its the very place where I was created
It’s met me with some hostility
But it’s the city where I built my community
It’s the root of our cultural identities
We’ll make our dreams a reality
Let’s say "Ní neart go cur le chéile"
Hello to the new, don’t let the past fail ya

(Bev)
It's no joke not fitting the mould
When you're growing up in a DUP stronghold
I couldn't understand why they don't see what I see
This place would be better if we worked together with respect and less greed
They try to take our rights?
I didn't come up the bann in a bubble, I'll stay and fight
Gie the bigots a run for their money
Cuz there's nae place when it's sunny

(Chorus)
Everybody leaves, Nothing changes
I'll stay here and create the spaces

(Beth)
It’s not easy to come from a place like this,
I honestly get why people call it quits
Themmuns and ussuns, it’s a constant struggle
Everything always comes back to the troubles
But it’s been 30 years, that time has passed
We’ve got to release the dead hand of the past
Throw it away, we’ll tell the higher powers
Alternative Ulster, Grab it, change it, it’s ours

(Alanah)
Arrived looking for a piece of mind
Found a city just trying to mind the peace
It’s typical to diminish from the outside
But roots run deeper than some choose to believe
It’s not about the feet planted in the past
Or casting out the seeds they continue to sow
The spoils may take some time to reach you
But you need to lay foundation to build your home

Listen to it hear: https://www.rte.ie/radio/radio1/clips/22402811/

For more information see https://problempatterns.bandcamp.com/album/blouse-club