donate to a
friend's fundraiser

The Donkey Sanctuary

banner-image

Liscarroll, Mallow, County Cork

The Donkey Sanctuary

Since we opened our gates in 1987, The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland has loved and cared for over 5,600 neglected and abandoned donkeys from across Ireland.

Every donkey taken into our sanctuary is guaranteed a life of loving care. For many it is the first time in their lives that they have felt loving hands and heard quiet voices. Great care is given to ensuring that each donkey has individual attention.

Today we have over 1,800 donkeys and mules in our care. Over 670 of these donkeys reside in private Guardian homes throughout the country as part of our Rehoming Scheme and the remainder of the donkeys are based at our four farms in the Liscarroll area.

overview

The Donkey Sanctuary's mission is to transform the quality of life for donkeys in Ireland through greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life-enhancing relationships.

where your money goes

Every donation, whatever the amount, is most gratefully received. Donations received within Ireland are used entirely to fund the work of The Donkey Sanctuary within Ireland.

history

Paddy Barrett's grandfather kept donkeys on the site at Knockardbane from 1926 and this has now become our main Donkey Sanctuary site which is open to the public.

Paddy's father Garrett was a welfare officer in the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA) from 1964 to 1981 and worked tirelessly to help donkeys and animals throughout Ireland.

Paddy himself worked as an Inspector for the ISPCA from February 1982 to July 1987, whilst at the same time running a rescue centre for donkeys in Ireland.

The Donkey Sanctuary UK was founded in 1969 by Dr Elisabeth Svendsen, MBE. She dedicated her life to champion donkeys, and it is through her devotion that the Sanctuary grew to be the international charity it is today.

Sadly Dr Svendsen passed away in 2011 but her memory lives on in our work, as does her eternal motto that, in everything we do, donkeys will always come first, second and third.

On 1st August 1987 The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland became affiliated with The Donkey Sanctuary UK. The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland registered as an Irish charity in 2011.

Since the sanctuary was opened in 1987, over 5,500 donkeys have been taken into our care and provided with loving homes. We continue to rescue and care for abandoned, abused and neglected donkeys from every corner of Ireland.

During the last 30 years, we have made a profound difference to the lives of donkeys and people all around the country. This is down to the drive and belief of our wonderful Founders and all of our supporters for your devotion and continued support.

Gift Donations

Make a donation as a gift on behalf of someone special by clicking below.

Following your donation, you will receive a Gift Donation Certificate, which you can send to the person that you made the donation on behalf of, or print for yourself.

The Gift of €25

The Gift of €25

Donate €25 on behalf of someone special, and give them a gift that keeps on giving

The Gift of €50

The Gift of €50

Donate €50 on behalf of someone special, and give them a gift that keeps on giving

The Gift of €100

The Gift of €100

Donate €100 on behalf of someone special, and give them a gift that keeps on giving

fundraisers