The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary
5
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5.0
302 reviews
Excellent
250
Very good
49
Average
2
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Twinma AF
Greystones, Ireland157 contributions
Jun 2022
If you like Donkeys, this is the place for you! I absolutely loved it. Entry is free, but you can (and you should!) make a donation towards the expensive care given to these gorgeous animals. The shop also sells donkey-themed gift items at very reasonable prices. And if you wish, you can adopt a donkey. The grounds are laid out so that you can do as much or as little walking as you choose, and the donkeys are in fields spread over a fairly large area. Some will come over for a little pet, while others are busy doing their own thing. The slightly older ones - Ducky, Dusty and Brenda were very friendly. I'm looking forward to visiting again!
Written 28 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mlgorey
Gorey, Ireland101 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
Called in on a flying visit for my first ever visit to this fabulous sanctuary. The welcome was very warm. Arrived just in time to me the delightful informative Sean giving his guys and girls their afternoon cuddles and words of endearment. They all lined up and waited patiently for their turns. Thank you very much Sean for giving me a memorable experience. He even got Mary down to an introduction as she is my adopted donkey this year. Well run shop and the walk way around the sanctuary is well done. My only concern is that without Google maps I feel I would never have found it as road signage I felt was very very poor. Thankfully I had Google maps. Well done to all concerned I wish other animal sanctuaries followed your incredible example. 👏👏👏👏👏
Written 15 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle M
Livermore, CA18 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We visited the Donkey Sanctuary on our drive from Cork city to Galway. It was on the way and we couldn’t have enjoyed it more, definitely one of the best things we did in Ireland! We had 5 people in our group and we split up for some of it and met back at the shop. There is no fee to visit, but we all bought souvenirs and adopted donkeys. The facilities are very clean and seem very well taken care of. The whole sanctuary is large, but for little children or the elderly there is plenty to see without too much of a hike. They have picnic tables, so pack a lunch and enjoy this magical place!
Written 29 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MidnightM
Mallow, Ireland10 contributions
Sept 2019 • Couples
Wonderful place to see the Donkos. Totally different experience summer and winter. Both are great. Later in the evening is nice to see the running of the park, lots of activities, see how the park is maintained. Would recommend for kids and adults.
Written 2 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, for taking the time to provide such wonderful feedback
Written 10 March 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
🙈
18 contributions
Apr 2022
The Donkey Sanctuary is completely free and any animal lover passing by should visit. It was halfway between Cork and Galway so I detoured on my way. The drive to the sanctuary was through very narrow country roads that were absolutely beautiful, though a bit difficult to navigate.
The donkeys are adorable and very well cared for. They have a lot of personality. You can tell the staff genuinely care about the animals. The merchandise to help support the sanctuary is cute. Kids were there and were engaged by the animals. The animals are safe to pet and many are friendly.
I arrived during the morning when they were being fed, so the donkeys were not in the pasture. If you want to see the donkeys out in the pasture, you may want to arrive later. The land behind the main pastures is hilly, so some pens may be inaccessible if you have disabilities.
The donkeys are adorable and very well cared for. They have a lot of personality. You can tell the staff genuinely care about the animals. The merchandise to help support the sanctuary is cute. Kids were there and were engaged by the animals. The animals are safe to pet and many are friendly.
I arrived during the morning when they were being fed, so the donkeys were not in the pasture. If you want to see the donkeys out in the pasture, you may want to arrive later. The land behind the main pastures is hilly, so some pens may be inaccessible if you have disabilities.
Written 21 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
quetzcoatl D
16 contributions
Mar 2019
Wonderful, somewhat eccentric day out! Donkeys utterly adorable and obviously very contented and well looked after in a very caring environmet. Would particularly recommend the Donkey Sanctuary as a day out with young children. Worth supporting: if you are at all interested in animal welfare
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you, for taking the time to provide such wonderful feedback
Written 16 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Debbie H
Dublin, Ireland71 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
A Hidden Gem, great place to visit, the grounds are lovely to walk,the donkeys are so friendly, they allow dogs too. It's magical for kids. Our little one adopted a donkey and she hasn't stopped talking about it. Highlight of the trip to Cork
Written 19 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eolan Allen
6 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
Beautiful setting. Very nicely laid out and the assistants in the little shop were very warm and friendly.
However the true stars are the donkeys themselves who are all very friendly and particularly interested in passing visitors particularly children and dogs (naturally will need to be kept on a tight lead). Donkeys very happy with positive interaction and experience is very soothing and joyful.
Bonus for a beautiful view over Liscarroll Castle.
However the true stars are the donkeys themselves who are all very friendly and particularly interested in passing visitors particularly children and dogs (naturally will need to be kept on a tight lead). Donkeys very happy with positive interaction and experience is very soothing and joyful.
Bonus for a beautiful view over Liscarroll Castle.
Written 18 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tiana Ward
Tralee, Ireland1,034 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
Great day out! Visited as a group and completely loved it. Got to meet all the donkeys and visit the gift shop afterwards 🎁 we even met a lovely cat 🐱 all staff members were so lovely and welcoming. It was a rainy day when we visited but we made the most out of it. We will definitely be visiting again 💓
Written 13 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nelly N
3 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
You'll fine there so many donkeys in real very good conditions. It's a pleasure to see them in a such good conditions after all the trouble they met. All is very clean, the pens and the shelters are perfectly maintained. We are impressed. A large car park and some tables for a picnic.
It's a pleasure to spend time at the office information to give some money for help them. Just be make attention to the close time.
It's a pleasure to spend time at the office information to give some money for help them. Just be make attention to the close time.
Written 29 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
If I take a train from Dublin and alight at Mallow, can you advise of any services that might take me to the Sanctuary for a visit? A taxi or chauffeur/car service that I can hire for a few hours? I"ve been dreaming of visiting this place ever since I got wind of it on my way down to Killarney 3 years ago...thanks!
Written 16 March 2022
Is the sanctuary far from Killavullen?
Written 3 January 2017
Hi, it's 29km if you go through Mallow and turn left for Liscarroll at the Hospital. When you come into Liscarroll turn right and it's about 400 from the village centre.
Written 11 January 2017
Hi! Has anyone been there and walked around after the gate closes? They say you can walk the grounds if you park outside of the gate.
Written 30 August 2016
I'm not sure who this "they" is that you speak of but having visited the sanctuary on several occasions I can assure you that visitors would not be allowed to wander around after it closes at night. People might try hurt the donkeys or steal from the visitor centre.
Written 1 September 2016
Can we get public transport from a hotel?
Written 27 July 2016
The sanctuary is only just outside Liscarroll village, walkable distance from the village. No public transport directly to Liscarroll as far as I know. If your accommodation is nearby a taxi would be an option. Your hotel staff should be able to advise.
Written 28 July 2016
Hi. Yes dogs are allowed but on a lead. I'm sure they would love it. I hope you and your dog both enjoy it. Have a lovely day.
Written 19 July 2016
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