Welcome

Welcome to The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland

Since we opened our gates in 1987, we have 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.

Knockardbane Farm is our Open Farm and it is home to 150 donkeys and mules. The farm is nestled in the beautiful rolling hillsides, outside Liscarroll village. Take a stroll along our beautiful walkways and meet our friendly donkeys. We have a Visitor Information Centre and picnic area on site and we are proud to welcome over 50,000 visitors per year. Admission and parking are both free. We consider that, being a charity dependent on the support of the public, visitors should be able to see our work free of charge but donations are very welcome.

Opening Hours

Knockardbane Farm is open to the public all year round (except Christmas Day). Opening hours are Mon-Fri, 9.00am to 4.30pm and Sat, Sun and bank holidays from 10.00am to 5.00pm.

Covid-19 Update:
The Donkey Sanctuary Ireland Open Farm is temporarily closed to the public. We know you will understand that we are prioritising the care of our donkeys whilst working with a limited workforce due to child care commitments and rotas.
By allowing visitors into the Open Farm, we would put our staff at risk, therefore the donkeys would be at risk too as if staff become sick, our ability to care for our donkeys is reduced.
Thank you for your kind support at this time and we look forward to seeing you later in the year. We will keep you up to date with any changes on this page.