It is especially popular in the rural Midlands and North-West of the country, but less so in urban areas or in the South-West where more traditional Irish music is favoured.
[3] Johnny McCauley, who performed extensively for Irish expat audiences in London in the 1950s, is regarded as the first songwriter to compose songs in an American country music style with lyrics that specifically referenced Irish subject matter.
[5] Artists who would fit this genre include: Country and Irish is featured on national and local media.
RTÉ Radio provide an hour of each Saturday with Country Time with Sandy Harsch.
Country and Irish music is notable for its highly distinctive album artwork style.