Old Irish Goat – Sean-Gabhar Éireannach
The Old Irish Goat is Ireland’s indigenous landrace breed, now critically endangered and only found in remote mountain ranges roaming in feral herds. The Old Irish goat was Ireland’s only goat breed until around 1900. A thick cashmere undercoat under its long outer coat helps to keep the goat warm in cold weather.
It is possible to tell the age of an Old Irish goat by counting its horn rings. Unlike the modern breeds of dairy goat, the Old Irish goat can be found in a variety of colours and colour patterns.
In domestication, the breed could give up to 200 gallons of milk a year. Feral herds of Old Irish goats are led by a female, the males forming bachelor herds for much of the year. You can see this beautiful character in our Farmyard Féasta book by clicking here