A welcoming rescue sanctuary in the Templepatrick countryside where families come to meet the resident donkeys and learn about the charity's work — and it's completely free to visit.
What you'll do — spend a gentle hour or two among the sanctuary's rescued donkeys, get up close at the paddock fences, and hear from the team about how the charity cares for donkeys that need a safe home.
Good to know — this is a working animal sanctuary, not a big attraction, so it's a calm, low-key visit — lovely for little ones who love animals and for anyone who enjoys a quiet, feel-good day out in the countryside.
How long — most families need an hour or two. It pairs well with something else nearby to round out the day.
Cost — entry is free and parking is free. It's a registered charity that runs entirely on public generosity, so donations are genuinely welcome when you book or on the day.
When — visits run on selected pre-booked open days, usually in the afternoon, with tickets released a few weeks ahead. Check the official site for the next dates.
Free, but pre-booked. You can't just turn up — book your free slot in advance on thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk, or by phone if you'd rather.
It's a charity. Your donation keeps the donkeys fed and cared for, so pop something in the box if you can — every bit helps.
Plan your visit
Book your free slot in advance
The Belfast sanctuary opens to the public on selected pre-booked open days through the year rather than every day, so the first thing to do is check the next available dates on the official site. Booking and entry are free of charge, with a limited number of afternoon slots, and tickets for each open day are typically released a few weeks in advance — so it's worth booking early once dates go live. As a registered charity, the sanctuary relies on public generosity, so donations are warmly welcomed either when you book or while you're there. If you'd rather not book online, you can reserve your slot by phoning the sanctuary. Always confirm the open days, times and what to expect before you set off.
Free entry & free parkingCountryside setting near TemplepatrickPre-booked open days onlyRegistered charity — donations welcome
Worth knowing:
Open days sell out because slots are limited. Facilities on the day, opening dates and exactly what's on can change, so check thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/visit-us/belfast and book before you travel. Dress for the weather and the countryside — a rescue sanctuary means grass, gates and mud underfoot.
Before you set off
What to wear & bring
👢Wellies or sturdy shoesIt's grass, gates and paddocks in the countryside, so feet find the mud — save the good trainers.
🧥A coat, whatever the sky's doingMost of the visit is outdoors around the fields, so bring a layer for the breeze and a hat if it's sunny.
💧Water and a snackIt's a quiet sanctuary rather than a big day-out with cafés, so pack a drink and something to nibble, especially for little ones.
💛A little something to donateThe charity runs on public generosity — cash or a card tap for the collection box goes straight to the donkeys' care.
Good to know
Everything before you go
Cost
Free. Booking and entry to the Belfast sanctuary are free of charge, and parking is free too. As a registered charity funded by public generosity, donations are welcomed either when you book or while you're on site.
Open days & times
Visits run on selected pre-booked open days, typically in the afternoon, rather than every day of the week. Check the official site for the next available dates and times before you travel.
Booking
Pre-booking is required — you can't turn up on spec. Tickets for each open day are usually released a few weeks in advance and slots are limited, so book early. If you can't book online, you can reserve by phoning the sanctuary.
Ages
A calm, gentle visit that suits all ages — lovely for younger children who adore animals and just as nice for grandparents. It's a quiet sanctuary, not a busy play attraction.
What you'll see & do
Meet the sanctuary's rescued donkeys at the paddock fences and hear from the team about the charity's work caring for donkeys in need. It's an unhurried, feel-good look behind the scenes of a rescue.
Facilities
This is a working sanctuary rather than a large visitor centre, so facilities are simple. Check the official site for what's available on your chosen open day, and bring your own water and snacks to be safe.
Getting around
The setting is countryside — grass, gates and farm paths — so wear footwear you don't mind getting muddy, and factor that in if anyone needs step-free ground underfoot.
Parking
Free parking on site. Confirm arrangements when you book your slot.
How long
Allow an hour or two for the visit. It works well combined with another spot nearby to make a fuller day.
Questions
Before you go
Is it really free?
Yes — booking and entry are free of charge, and so is parking. It's a registered charity, so donations are warmly welcomed when you book or on the day, but there's no ticket price to pay.
Do I need to book?
Yes. Visits run on selected pre-booked open days with limited afternoon slots, so you'll need to reserve a free slot in advance on the official site — you can't just turn up. Tickets tend to be released a few weeks ahead.
What ages is it best for?
All ages. It's a gentle, unhurried visit that younger children who love animals get a lot from, and it's just as pleasant for older visitors who enjoy a quiet day out in the countryside.
What will we actually do there?
Meet the sanctuary's rescued donkeys at the paddock fences and learn about the charity's work looking after donkeys that need a safe home. It's a calm, behind-the-scenes look at a rescue rather than a big play day.
Is there a café or toilets?
It's a working sanctuary rather than a large visitor centre, so facilities are simple and can vary by open day. Check the official site for what's on offer, and it's wise to bring your own water and snacks.
Can I bring the dog?
As a working animal sanctuary it's best to check the dog policy on the official site before you travel — assistance dogs are usually the exception where pets aren't allowed near the animals.
Getting there
72 Ballymartin Road, Templepatrick, Ballyclare, Co. Antrim, BT39 0BS — in the countryside a short run from Templepatrick and Ballyclare, with free parking on site. Book your free slot before you set off.
Tucked into the green countryside near Templepatrick, the Belfast base of The Donkey Sanctuary is one of the charity's centres across the UK and Ireland — a quiet corner of Co. Antrim given over entirely to the care of donkeys that have come through hard times and now have somewhere safe to see out their days.
The charity has spent decades rescuing and rehoming donkeys, and running welfare and assisted-therapy work, all funded by the generosity of the public rather than any gate price. That's why the visit here feels different from a typical attraction: there's no big playpark or turnstile, just fields, fences and the animals themselves, and a team happy to share the story of how each donkey came to be here.
For a family, that makes it a lovely, low-key morning or afternoon — children get to meet gentle, curious donkeys up close, everyone leaves having learned a little about looking after animals in need, and because it's free, the only thing you'll want to bring is a small donation to say thank you. Book a slot, wrap up for the weather, and enjoy a feel-good day out in the Antrim countryside.