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Kinedale Donkeys

38 Chestnut Road, Ballynahinch, County Down, BT24 8JQ
three donkeys and trekkers along road

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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!


 

Facilities

Accessibility

  • Guide dogs permitted

Attraction Facilities

  • Open Evenings - For events like Donkey Date Night and Sunset Picnic
  • Open Sundays

Catering

  • Packed lunch available - Certain experiences include a lunch or afternoon tea, check experiences for details
  • Special dietary requirements catered for

Children & Infants

  • Accept children (Minimum age)
  • Children's Parties

Establishment Features

  • Accept coach parties
  • Accommodation nearby
  • Cater for Corporate events
  • Cater for individuals
  • Cater for school groups
  • Event venue
  • Family Fun
  • Fitness level required - low
  • Fitness level required - medium
  • Gift vouchers
  • Groups accepted
  • Groups catered for
  • Online Booking
  • Prior Booking Required
  • Talks
  • Toilets
  • Workshop

Event Facilities

  • Booking Required

Leisure Facilities

  • Wifi

Parking & Transport

  • Car parking
  • Coach parking
  • On site parking
  • Parking (free)
  • Parking Areas for Disabled Visitors

Payment Methods

  • All major credit/debit cards accepted
  • American Express accepted
  • Maestro accepted
  • MasterCard accepted
  • Visa accepted
  • Visa Debit Accepted

Provider Preferences

  • Dogs accepted by arrangement
  • Educational Visits Accepted
  • Farm
  • Film or TV location
  • In countryside
  • In Market Town
  • Marketed Towards Students / Youth
  • Non smoking establishment
  • Open by appointment outside normal opening times
  • Out of town
  • Outdoor Attraction
  • Unique venue

Specialist Features

  • Marketed as gay friendly
  • Marketed as green/environmentally friendly

Guide Prices

Ticket TypeTicket Tariff
Donkey Date Night£22.50 activity
Donkey Trail Through Time£45.00 activity
Donkey Trek£24.00 activity
Goat Meditation£17.00 activity

Please contact the organiser for any further information that's required.

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Tel +44 (0) 73 9354 8583

Map & Directions

Opening Times

Season (1 Jan 2024 - 31 Dec 2024)
DayTimes
Monday - TuesdayClosed
Wednesday - Sunday10:00 - 18:00

* Pre-booking required for activities

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Map & Directions

Road Directions

Drive from Ballynahinch town following signs for Dromore. Take a right about 0.5 mile from the roundabout onto Riverside Road. Take the next left onto Chestnut Road. Straight over the crossroads and we are the first yard on the left hand side, white pillared walls with green gate. The entrance to the experiences is at the top of the hill.

Public Transport Directions

Traveling by car is best or alternatively, a bus to Ballynahinch followed by a 45 minute walk or a taxi is suitable.

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