Mayo Blackface ewe
Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland
These hardy creatures are found roaming all over Achill and are found in some pretty inaccessible places being almost as agile as goats.
They have these colour markings on the wool to signify that the sheep is part of a particular farmer's flock given that they are grazed on the commons which is nearly the whole island (even the local golf course!).
They are also pretty fearless and don't even blink at passing cars while resting on the side of the road. I am so used to slowing right down for sheep at home, it took a while to get used to seeing passing cars speeding past (or being in one!).
Also, given their ubiquity on the island, there is a bit of a need to tread carefully when walking across grassy meadows and fields!
According to what I was told, their wool is almost of no value but their meat is.
This is third third in the series that I am posting from my landscape photography workshop on Achill.
Mayo Blackface ewe
Achill Island, County Mayo, Ireland
These hardy creatures are found roaming all over Achill and are found in some pretty inaccessible places being almost as agile as goats.
They have these colour markings on the wool to signify that the sheep is part of a particular farmer's flock given that they are grazed on the commons which is nearly the whole island (even the local golf course!).
They are also pretty fearless and don't even blink at passing cars while resting on the side of the road. I am so used to slowing right down for sheep at home, it took a while to get used to seeing passing cars speeding past (or being in one!).
Also, given their ubiquity on the island, there is a bit of a need to tread carefully when walking across grassy meadows and fields!
According to what I was told, their wool is almost of no value but their meat is.
This is third third in the series that I am posting from my landscape photography workshop on Achill.