Goats in Ireland
Ireland had 7,300 goats in 2024, the 163rd largest in the world (0.00% of the world total). Over ten years it fell by 15%. The record was 17,800 head in 1992.
- Animals, 2024
- 7,300 head
- World rank
- 163 of 181
- 10-year change
- −15%
- Record
- 17,800 head
- 1992
Goats in Ireland, 1991–2024 (head)
Ireland compared with the world, 2024
- Share of world total
- 0.00%
- 0.00% in 2014
- 10-year change
- −15%
- world +23%
Position in the world ranking
| # | Country | Head | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| 161 | Panama | 8,998 | 0.00% |
| 162 | Saint Kitts and Nevis | 8,121 | 0.00% |
| 163 | Ireland | 7,300 | 0.00% |
| 164 | Malta | 6,670 | 0.00% |
| 165 | Sao Tome and Principe | 6,201 | 0.00% |
Map of goats numbers by country
Share of the world total; Ireland is outlined. Small island states are not drawn at this scale.
By year
| Year | Head | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7,300 | −21% |
| 2023 | 9,200 | −0.4% |
| 2022 | 9,240 | −1.7% |
| 2021 | 9,400 | +6.8% |
| 2020 | 8,800 | +0.3% |
| 2019 | 8,770 | −6.2% |
| 2018 | 9,349 | +13% |
| 2017 | 8,285 | −16% |
| 2016 | 9,900 | −8.3% |
| 2015 | 10,800 | +26% |
| 2014 | 8,600 | −1.1% |
| 2013 | 8,700 | −16% |
| 2012 | 10,300 | −9.6% |
| 2011 | 11,400 | +8.6% |
| 2010 | 10,500 | +4.0% |
| 2009 | 10,100 | +13% |
| 2008 | 8,900 | +22% |
| 2007 | 7,300 | +9.0% |
| 2006 | 6,700 | −8.2% |
| 2005 | 7,300 | −2.7% |
| 2004 | 7,500 | −1.3% |
| 2003 | 7,600 | −1.3% |
| 2002 | 7,700 | −1.3% |
| 2001 | 7,800 | −3.7% |
| 2000 | 8,100 | −40% |
| 1999 | 13,500 | −11% |
| 1998 | 15,100 | −0.7% |
| 1997 | 15,200 | +2.0% |
| 1996 | 14,900 | −4.5% |
| 1995 | 15,600 | −3.1% |
| 1994 | 16,100 | −8.5% |
| 1993 | 17,600 | −1.1% |
| 1992 | 17,800 | +2.3% |
| 1991 | 17,400 | — |
Questions and answers
How many goats are there in Ireland?
Ireland had 7,300 goats in 2024, 0.00% of the world total, according to FAOSTAT.
Where does Ireland rank in the world by number of goats?
Ireland ranked 163rd of 181 countries in 2024. The largest herd was in India with 17.7% of the world total.
How has the number of goats in Ireland changed?
It fell by 15% between 2014 and 2024, compared with +23% for the world. The record was 17,800 head in 1992.
Where does this data come from?
From FAOSTAT, the statistics database of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Shares, ranks and per-person figures are calculated by Husfarm.
Other large producers
Source: FAO. 2025. FAOSTAT: Crops and livestock products. Accessed on 4 November 2026. fao.org/faostat. Licence: CC BY 4.0. Charts, rankings and changes calculated by Husfarm.