A review of the goat census returns found that since combining the sheep and goat census together in 2013, some keepers completed the application form in error. This led to an over-declaration of goat numbers and herds, with goat numbers revised downward by 3,600 head in 2013 to a total of 8,571 and 4,800 head in 2014 to 10,796.

The 2015 goat census recorded a 934 head reduction in the national herd to 9,862. The census explains that the goat sector is dominated by non-commercial herds, with only 38 herds in the country possessing more than 50 goats. Table 1 gives a detailed breakdown of the number of herds based on herd size and the number of goats within each category.

Location of goats

Galway has the greatest number of goats, with 1,017 animals across 70 herds. Cork has the highest number of herds, with 110 keepers, but with more small producers this only totals 833 goats. Tipperary has the third-highest number of goats, with 832 across 34 herds.

Meath, with 792 goats and 40 herds, Westmeath with 790 goats in 20 herds and Clare with 773 goats across 36 herds are the other counties with very significant numbers. Combined, the top six counties possess 50% of the total goat population.