Mulranny Arts and the Old Irish Goats

Feb 7

Students of Mulranny Arts will no doubt see or hear evidence of our fascination with the Old Irish Goat while they are in Mulranny. Here is why…

Saving the Old Irish goat became a challenge for a few Mulranny residents who recognised the value of this indigenous animal and its underrated historical significance. They roamed wild on the mountain behind the village and were becoming a nuisance in their search for food. Some people wanted them gone.

It had been the only goat in Ireland for thousands of years until European breeds were introduced in the early 1900’s. When livestock farming practices changed, the Old Irish goat was marginalised and forgotten. Now only found in mixed feral goat herds roaming remote mountain ranges around Ireland, it is rare to find one that has the original characteristics of the breed.

There had been an early attempt to save the Old Irish goat from extinction on the Burren in Co. Clare where a society was formed, but the efforts were defeated for a variety of reasons.

After capturing a few of the Mulranny goats, a breeding program was started in 2011 using historical confirmation and modern DNA studies. The herd continues to grow today supported by partnerships around the country.

There are good reasons to save this goat. Why use manpower and chemicals for landscape management when an Old Irish goat can do the job efficiently?

A collaborative conservation grazing, tourism and interpretation initiative is underway and will demonstrate the utility, economic and heritage value of this native breed. After all, it has had a presence in Ireland since Neolithic times and has played a substantial role in sustaining the Irish in Millennia past.

The development of the Old Irish Goat Visitors Centre and Sanctuary in Mulranny provides for an ecological tourism amenity and educational resource that promises to become a unique visitor destination on the Wild Atlantic Way and the Great Western Greenway. The charismatic nature and appearance of this handsome animal certainly charms an audience. Visitors to the centre learn the story of the goat, get glimpses of the heritage of times past, and share ideas of what goats can bring for the future.

The potential for milk and cheese and meat has not been realised yet, but this hardy animal requires little maintenance and promises to once again be a valuable resource for a country struggling to meet the demands of European preservation of genetic resources and ecosystem management.

Mulranny Arts supports the aims of the Society. We introduce our students to the Old Irish goat and take them on a visit to the sanctuary where they can photograph and capture images of the goats for use in art work. They are curious animals and the kids, born in the early spring are a delight to watch. This goat has inspired many aspects of creativity and when visiting the Gift Shop, one finds the goat in a variety of mediums from textiles, pottery, paintings, film and more.

These animals have a story to tell and at the goat centre, a forgotten history is shared along with a promise for the old Irish goat’s role in a sustainable future.