The Irish Setter derived from a variety of spaniels, setters, and pointers. He is probably older then the English Setter, but both are ancestors of the heavier Old Spanish Pointer breed.
The Irish Setter is both a pointer and retriever, who has a rich, exuberant red mahogany coat and a communicative expression. He is a fast field dog sturdy over any terrain and in any climate and nice hunting companion with an excellent sense of smell.