We hope that the following questions and answers will help you to prepare for your visit. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can we visit whenever we want?

We are currently open from Wednesday until Sunday from 12-30pm until 4–30pm (this includes Bank Holiday Mondays). Visits outside of these hours are STRICTLY by appointment only.

Please Note: We charge a small admission fee of €5 per adult and €10 for a family of four. €3.00 per additional child.

Please note that visitors may NOT feed the donkeys as many are on special diets and it also encourages them to bite. Donations of carrots, ginger nuts and apples are very welcome but must be given out by our volunteers at designated feeding times. Thank you.

Is there parking?

Yes, parking is available on site. Disabled parking can be accessed in the yard. Please ring ahead.

Are we a petting zoo?

We are actually a ‘working farm’ dedicated to caring for donkeys that are either resident here or looking for their forever home. You are encouraged to visit the donkeys over the fences and they are happy to receive your kind words, hugs and scratches. For your safety and that of our donkey residents no visitors are permitted inside the donkey paddocks or stalls.

What is the white tape behind the wooden fences?

This white tape is a battery powered, low voltage electric fence wire. It is necessary to protect the wooden fences as some donkeys will chew on the boards thus destroying our permanent fencing. DO NOT TOUCH the fence wire as it will give you a sharp shock. The donkeys quickly learn to stay away from the fence and in turn this wire also allows strip grazing to help in the prevention of laminitis from overgrazing.

Can we bring pets?

 Dogs are welcome on site. They must be kept under control and on a lead at all times. Please pick up after your pooch and dispose of in an appropriate manner. There are no ‘dog poop’ bins on site.

Are there walkways on site?

Yes. There are lots of donkeys grazing in the paddocks along the walkways during the summer/grazing season.

I am mobility challenged. Will I be able to enjoy my visit to the sanctuary? 

Yes. Disabled parking is available on request closer to the stable yard. Also, we are currently working on making our walkways more wheelchair and buggy accessible.

Are refreshments available?

We have a small tea room/gift shop serving tea/coffee and treats!

Can we ride a donkey?

No.

Can we feed the donkeys?

No. Some of our donkeys are on special diets for veterinary reasons. Treats such as ginger nut biscuits and carrots may be left in the visitor centre and will be distributed to the donkeys by our volunteers at feeding times.

Can we donate to donkey care while visiting?

CERTAINLY! We accept cash and cheques. All major credit cards may be used for donations and purchases in the shop. Our ‘Adopt a Donkey’ scheme is a very popular donation programme. There is also the opportunity to pick up a ‘Buy a Bale’ gift voucher as a present for a donkey loving friend or just for yourself! 

Forms are available in the visitor centre  to enable visitors to organise a monthly giving programme (direct debit payment) with their bank. These direct debit payments are a lifeline for the sanctuary as it is money that can be counted upon every month to help the sanctuary meet the many expenses and financial commitments that occur in caring for so many animals.

Are there toilet facilities for mobility challenged visitors on site?

Yes

Is there a smoking area?

No. The sanctuary is a smoke free/vape free area and smoking will not be tolerated  under any circumstances.

Are there any specific things that we should bring on a visit?

We are an outdoor facility so please remember to bring clothes that are weather appropriate, suitable shoes and most importantly a smile!

You will likely get some donkey dust on your hands while interacting with our residents so washing facilities are available on site.

If you require any further information please contact us at donegaldonkeysanctuary@gmail.com.