The Connemara Black face sheep is a particular breed type that evolved and adapted over centuries to survive the harsh conditions on the mountains of Connemara and west Mayo. It is believed they originate from the wild, horned Argali sheep that inhabited central Asia in ancient times. Thousands of Black face sheep were imported from Scotland through the Killary Harbour during the 1850 s and the black face sheep of the Connemara/Mayo area are probably descended from this original importation. They have the necessary resilience for the rugged terrain of Connemara. Their wool is very coarse in texture making it more suited to carpet manufacture. Their mountain habitat and diet produces a very lean, sweet tasting meat .
