What started as a search for a lost native breed has grown into one of Ireland’s most innovative examples of community-led climate action. In Mulranny, County Mayo, a local group came together to protect the Old Irish Goat — a rare and ancient animal deeply connected to Irish culture. Today, their work blends conservation, education, and land management in ways that support both biodiversity and climate resilience. Read the full case study to learn more about the Old Irish Goat Project’s journey and impact
Where?
Mulranny Co. Mayo
Who started this action?
Led by Old Irish Goat Society
Some quick facts about the project
- Started by local volunteers and researchers in 2011
- Brought back Ireland’s only native goat breed, once thought to be extinct
- Built a visitor and education centre in Mulranny
- Developed a conservation grazing model for wildfire preventionAdd a Tooltip Text
- They got international attention from the ‘World Economic Forum’ and RTÉ
What makes this stand out?
- Protects a native breed with that is very important for our cultural and ecology
- Uses goats to control plants and reduce the risk of wildfires
- Builds public awareness of the goats and its history through storytelling, tourism, and getting the community involved
- Shows how heritageour culture and our history can be part of climate adaptation
- Important national and international project is run from a small rural village, powered by volunteers
Highlights
- The Old Irish Goat breed is officially recognised as “Native Breed at Risk” (2022)
- National breeding programme approved by the Department of Agriculture
- Grazing project in Howth and Dun Laoghaire used to manage fire-prone land
- The project works closely with Mayo County Council and Atlantic Technological University
- The society works for stronger protection of living heritageour culture and our history in Irish biodiversity policy
Why this matters
This project shows how climate solutions can come from unexpected places. By bringing back a nearly lost animal and having new ideas about how we manage land, the Old Irish Goat Society has created a set of ideas that protects biodiversity, reduces fire risk, and brings communities closer to their environment. It shows that local heritage can play a lead the way in helping make a more stronger and healthier future.
SDG Alignment & Keywords
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 15: Life on Land
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Keywords: conservation grazing, heritage breeds, biodiversity, wildfire prevention, regenerative land use
Find Out More about the project
Listen to this podcast to learn how the people of Mulranny use the best communications practice to make sure they build alliances within their community
Community Group Best Communications Practice Builds Success
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