The most common breed of sheep in Ireland is the Scottish Blackface, easily spotted due to its black head and legs – just like the famous claymation ‘Shaun the Sheep’ from the creators of ‘Wallace and Gromit.’ This particular species was introduced from Scotland, of course, and as such found the terrain and climatic conditions in the northwest of Ireland quite similar to back home. They are exceptionally hardy creatures, able to withstand the long, cold, dark and stormy winter months here in Ireland. They have long fleeces and curved horns, whereas the more common variety in lowlands – the Suffolk – are somewhat fatter and have shorter, woolier fleeces. There are also specific breeds around Ireland such as the Galway sheep and Kerry Hill sheep.
