Kinedale Donkeys

About

Join Robert and his 25 therapy-trained donkeys for Wellness and Heritage Experiences. You are welcomed to his family's farm in Ballynahinch, in the heart of County Down.  

Take a breather with Goat Meditation or explore the rolling "drumlins" with a Donkey Trek.

Looking for heritage and culture? Donkey Trail Through Time offers visitors the chance to brush and harness their very own working donkey. Drive it around the farmland and hitch up to original farm equipment and work the land. All while learning of the history and heritage of donkeys and farming in Ireland.

Fancy an evening at the farm? Donkey Date Night is the ultimate treat, first Speed-Date the Donkeys, then try Goat Meditation and finish with Afternoon Tea!

Kinedale Donkeys began as a way to prevent Robert having to sell his donkeys during the pandemic, his "babies" have mostly been born on the farm and some are the great-great grandchildren of his first donkey, Muffin, a gift for his first birthday. Robert began carriage driving and ploughing with the donkeys like Denis (who is still here at 27 years old) since he was 6 years old. His goal is to promote the donkey, provide them with a purpose and teach people of their long and interesting history. 

Therapeutic work is how the donkeys began to support themselves, with Robert's daily training and as the majority of them have been handled since birth these donkeys are very special. They visit Care Homes, Hospitals and Hospices, even traveling in an elevator to visit patients! The donkeys have won a prize through the NHS for their work with primary school children who needed help with their emotions, so you can be assured they are safe to be around. These donkeys have been involved in the most amazing situations, including appearing onstage in an opera in Dublin's National Concert Hall. 

Feel the therapeutic benefits of the animals for yourself with Goat Meditation. Learn mindfulness and gain a sense of serenity while snuggling one of our pygmy goats, like Archie or Haggis. Explore the local countryside with a Donkey Trek, appreciate the donkeys' slow pace and enjoy the views of Slieve Croob and the green fields. Be guided by a donkey like Oberon or Tinkerbell along the paths and lanes Robert grew up cycling and driving the donkeys' carriages on, he will tell you of the local people and scenery.

Practices that were commonplace like harnessing, training and driving donkeys to carriages and farm implements is a dying skill. Join Robert for Donkey Trail Through Time and learn how to harness the donkeys like Remus with traditional leather harness, put him to a plough or grubber and have a go at "driving" him. Robert will explain the orginal equipment to you and some of the advancements in farming from the 1500s when donkeys came to Ireland. 

There is something for everyone at Kinedale Donkeys, as long as you are an animal lover!