Native Breeds Series: The Irish Red and White Setter: Ireland’s Forgotten Gundog

Before the sleek, flame-haired Red Setter rose to international fame, there was another — older, humbler, and nearly lost to history. In this episode of The History and Heritage Podcast, we trace the story of the Irish Red and White Setter, Ireland’s original hunting companion. From the wild windswept bogs of 17th-century Galway to the brink of extinction in the 20th century, this episode explores how changing fashions, rural tradition, and determined breeders shaped the fate of one of Ireland’s most remarkable native dogs. Learn how a forgotten field dog became a living link to Ireland’s sporting past — and how it was saved, against the odds, by a few passionate hands. If you love Irish heritage, rural life, or the hidden histories of working animals, this one’s for you.