The Irish Hereford Breed Society is the body responsible for the promotion and development of the Hereford breed in the Republic of Ireland. Its functions include the maintenance of a register of pedigree Herefords born to parents currently registered on the database and whose parentage can be traced back through several generations to the 19th century.
Births, transfer of ownership, disposals and deaths are recorded together with performance detail. A number of shows and sales, field evenings, seminars, summer shows and exhibitions are held each year to promote and highlight the merits of the breed.
The Society also places advertising in the various media to promote the significant qualities and advantages of the breed to a wider audience.The Society is a member of the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation which is dedicated to improvement in all aspects of Irish cattle breeding. The increasing volumes of performance data and ultra sound scanning information coming on stream in association with the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (www.icbf.com) through a unique system which gathers reproductive, performance and carcass data from pedigree and commercial cattle farms provides valuable information on the genetic merits of the breed.
The branches take an active part in the promotion of the breed at local shows and events in their respective areas. Very often the branches organise short excursions, field evenings and judging competitions / events. Anyone wishing to attend meetings or other activities should contact those listed in their area for additional information
West Cork
Clare, Kerry, Cork, Tipperary, Waterford
Laois, Kildare, Kilkenny, Carlow, Wexford, Wicklow, Dublin
Louth, Meath, Westmeath, Longford, Offaly
Mayo, Galway, Donegal, Leitrim, Sligo, Roscommon
Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal
All Irish Hereford Breed Society Merchandise including beanie hats, baseball caps, ties & other items of clothing is available to purchase from Farm Wardrobe.
The policy of the Society is determined by an 11 person Council elected for a three-year term of office by the members via postal ballot. The President (ceremonial role) who must at the time of election be a member of Council is elected for a one-year term by those in attendance at the Society’s AGM. The position of Chairman is a three-year appointment made at the first meeting of each newly elected Council. All positions are honorary. The Society is fortunate to have availed of the services of many dedicated members who have over the years put their talents at the disposal of the breed for the sheer joy of doing so.
The Irish Hereford Breed Society maintains close contact and membership of the World Hereford Council. This body is dedicated to preserve and improve the inherited constitution, purity and docility of the breed, which has enabled it to thrive in extreme climate and feeding conditions throughout its history across the world. This forum provides for the standardisation of protocol for movement of pedigree Herefords from country to country and a facility for the exchange of research and technology pertinent and advantageous to the breed and to feedstock or commercial beef producers.
17th European Hereford Conference
We are delighted to be hosting the 17th European Hereford Conference from 7th - 10th August 2026 following the last conference hosted in Ireland which was in 2005.
In order to promote the benefits of using a Hereford sire for both calf and essentially beef production - The Irish Hereford Breed Society has teamed up with Dawn Meats to run the ‘Certified Hereford Scheme’.
View the Forms and Documents section for more information or contact the Irish Hereford Breed Society on 044 9348855/ 087 9196206 or by emailing info@irishhereford.com.
Irish Hereford Breed Society,
Harbour Street,
Mullingar,
Co. Westmeath
N91 FC04
Opening Hours:
Mon - Fri : 09:00 - 17:00
Phone lines are operational from 10:00 - 13:00 & 14:00 - 16:00
