CATTLE FARMING IN IRELAND

The raising of cattle in Ireland has a very long and illustrious history that dates back thousands of years. Domesticating cattle and using them for their milk and meat dates back to the Bronze Age in Ireland, which began approximately 2000 BC. This is when the earliest evidence of cow husbandry was discovered on the island.

Cattle were utilized as a kind of currency in Ireland throughout the medieval period. Cattle were also used as a way of paying rent and taxes at that time. Cattle farming became an important element of Irish culture at this time. Thefts of cattle and cattle raids were very widespread during this time period, giving rise to a great number of epic tales and legends that were told from generation to generation.

In the 19th century, new breeds of cattle, such as the shorthorn and the Hereford, were brought into Ireland, which resulted in a major improvement in the quality of meat produced there. The result of this was a rise in demand for Irish beef in the UK, which at the time was the most important market for Irish beef.

Nowadays, Ireland is widely recognized as a producer of grass-fed beef of exceptional quality, which is often regarded as being among the very finest in the world. The climate of Ireland, which is often moderate and moist, is suitable for the growth of lush pastures, which in turn supplies the right circumstances for the development of healthy cattle.

Moreover, Ireland maintains stringent animal welfare regulations and traceability systems, which work together to guarantee that the beef that is produced is of the highest quality and may be consumed without risk. As a direct consequence of this, Irish beef is extremely popular among buyers and chefs all over the world, and it is therefore exported to a wide variety of nations.

Irish cattle farming facts:

Ireland has a long history of cattle farming, with evidence of domesticated cattle dating back to the Neolithic period.
Cattle are the most common type of livestock in Ireland, with over 7 million cattle on Irish farms.
Ireland is one of the largest exporters of beef in the world, with beef exports accounting for approximately 1.6 billion euros annually.
The majority of Irish beef is exported to the European Union, with the UK being the largest market.
The quality of Irish beef is widely recognized, with Irish beef being known for its high quality, grass-fed production.
The majority of Irish cattle are raised on grass-based systems, with some supplementary feeding during the winter months.
The traditional breed of cattle in Ireland is the Irish Moiled, which is a hardy, dual-purpose breed.
The Irish cattle industry is regulated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, which sets standards for animal welfare, food safety, and environmental protection.
The Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) is responsible for maintaining the national database of cattle pedigrees and performance records.
There are a number of organizations in Ireland that promote the interests of cattle farmers, such as the Irish Farmers’ Association (IFA) and the Irish Cattle and Sheep Farmers’ Association (ICSA).

Here are some popular steak restaurants in Ireland:

FX Buckley, Dublin: This steakhouse is known for serving some of the best steaks in Dublin, with a focus on locally sourced, high-quality beef.
Shanahan’s on the Green, Dublin: This iconic steakhouse is housed in a historic Georgian building and serves some of the most mouth-watering steaks in Ireland, including their signature “Dublin Lawyer” steak.
The Saddle Room, The Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin: This elegant restaurant offers a luxurious dining experience, with a menu that features some of the best Irish beef and steak dishes.
The Chop House, Dublin: This gastropub-style restaurant is known for its excellent selection of steaks, sourced from top-quality Irish farms and cooked to perfection.
Good World Chinese Restaurant, Dublin: While not strictly a steakhouse, this Chinese restaurant is known for serving some of the best pepper steak in Dublin, made with locally sourced Irish beef.
The Red Fort, Cork: This Indian restaurant offers a unique twist on steak with its “Tandoori Beef Steak”, cooked to perfection in a traditional tandoor oven.
Porterhouse Central, Dublin: This pub and restaurant offers a great selection of steaks, burgers, and other meat dishes, along with a wide range of craft beers and spirits.