Rambling with Irish Rare Breeds

In 2023, Agri Aware secured funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to promote and create awareness of Irish native rare breeds under the conservation of genetic resources grant.

Promoting national heritage and culture

The conservation of genetic resources is of extreme importance for food security and domesticated animal disease resilience, amongst others. Rare or heritage breeds also contribute to the promotion of national heritage and culture. For this campaign, Agri Aware’s aim was to generate national awareness and interest in Irish rare breeds actioned through the creation of video assets and a social media campaign. The videos were a simple story-telling style; showing off the breed, its unique characteristics and informing on its heritage and their conservation merit, including market opportunities and any environmental and or climate benefits.

The nine recognised Irish native breeds by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine at the time included:

  • The Dexter
  • The Kerry Bog Pony
  • Galway Sheep
  • The Kerry Cow
  • The Irish Draught Horse
  • The Irish Moiled
  • The Old Irish Goat
  • Droimeann Cattle
  • The Connemara Pony

Agri Aware would like to thank the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the Irish Native Rare Breed Society (INRBS), the Irish Rare Breeds Society (IRBS), breed societies and of course the farmers who shared their stories on the nine recognised rare breeds.

Watch the series