Donegal Donkey Sanctuary

25/09/2026

We are extending the deadline on our summer draw by 7 days in order to facilitate the return of ticket booklets. There is still time to purchase tickets on this link. Thank you for supporting this important annual fundraiser which goes towards helping the donkeys get through winter.

iDonate.ie - Summer Draw 2026 DDS for Donegal Donkey Sanctuary - iDonate Ireland online raffles for causes

22/09/2026

A huge thank you to Marion & Brian who made a generous donation towards donkey care this morning on behalf of Springhill Park Women’s Group, Strabane, Co.Tyrone.
We are very grateful to the group for their kindness in helping us make the winter months easier for our residents.

18/09/2026

UPDATE - Madeleine & Susie

We are happy to report that Madeleine has settled really well and found some new friends among the other resident donkeys at the sanctuary. For the first number of weeks she was very scared to approach people and kept very much to herself but with lots of patience and loving care she has developed enough courage to trust again. She loves to see visitors arrive and is one of the first to come over to the fence to say hello. She just can’t get enough love and cuddles. It never ceases to amaze us that donkeys have such a capacity to forgive and trust again no matter what has happened in their lives.
Unfortunately Susie’s journey has been a lot tougher and she has needed every bit of care that our sanctuary volunteers have to give. She has gained in weight, is happy in herself, is eating well and responding to her carers in a very positive way. She needs space to heal so she has been close to the donkeys in the adjoining paddocks but cannot be with Madeleine as she is just too fragile at this stage. We always knew that it would be a long road for her. Everything that can possibly be done is being done and we can only hope for a happy outcome.
Our sincere thanks to all the many visitors who have come to visit Susie and Madeleine, often laden with ginger nuts which they have enjoyed very much. Overall we are still cautiously optimistic for Susie. Only time will tell.

11/09/2026

Apologies
The sanctuary will be closed tomorrow 12/9 due to unforeseen circumstances
Reopening Sunday @1-30pm

19/08/2026

We are delighted to report that An Coimisiún Pleanála HAVE granted PLANNING PERMISSION for our proposed new development.
The decision to overturn the third party appeal (objection) was made in the last few days. So delighted to be able to put this episode behind us and concentrate on acquiring funding to commence the work. Just great news for the donkeys.
Thank you so much to everyone who has offered their support over the last number of months.

09/08/2026

09/08/2026

The sanctuary will be closed this week for essential maintenance. Reopening on Sat 15th @12-30

04/08/2026

gofund.me/be3c9104c
Update
Susie has had good days and bad days over the last few weeks but we continue to give her all the help we can alongside our veterinary team.
Her frail body is dealing with so much. She spends a great deal of time lying down resting & gathering strength but the pressure on her fragile skin brings other difficulties.
Each day is a struggle but hopefully she will win through. It really is one day at a time…

Madeleine continues to do well and is gaining the confidence to meet visitors for hugs and scratches. The capacity of donkeys to forgive and trust again is endlessly amazing.
Keep going girls. We are with you every step of the way ❤️❤️

02/08/2026

We had a wonderful afternoon here at the sanctuary celebrating a very special birthday. Annemarie has been a tremendous supporter from the very earliest days of the sanctuary and has even helped on a few rescues. We remember one particularly scary episode on a riverbank which thankfully ended well for both donkeys and humans! A true animal lover and just all round lovely person.
Thank you so much for your continued support over the years Annemarie. Wishing you many more birthday celebrations though I’m not sure you would stand the shock of a surprise tea party again!

29/07/2026

Update on Simon
We are delighted to report that Simon is doing much better after his respiratory crisis a number of weeks ago. Simon suffers from COPD which is obviously an ongoing condition and we will be monitoring him closely over the coming days as temperatures are expected to rise significantly.

Madeleine and Susie continue to rest and make small improvements. Progress is going to be very slow and all we can do for now is make sure that Susie has plenty of rest, food and love. Hopefully time will bring healing.