Seven things: Wildlife sanctuaries around the county

‘Seven Things’ aims to explore the different things about Donegal and highlight the fascinating features of each. 

The elements are not listed in order of importance and are not an all-inclusive list. The list indicates what each place, person or event offers, the various attractions, unique points, people and places worth knowing or remembering, hidden gems and an exploration of all things Donegal! Please click on the arrows to scroll through the animal sanctuaries as you explore the various wildlife that Donegal has to offer

This week’s ‘seven things’ aims to explore the diverse range of wildlife sanctuaries that are open to the public to visit across Donegal, hopefully, there is something for everyone!

Two of the rescue bears from Lithuania, who are siblings - Irish Brown Bears can now be found back in the woodlands in Donegal for the first time in thousands of years Photo: Wild Ireland

This list focuses on wildlife across the county and explores various types of sanctuaries from, Ireland’s ancient wildlife such as bears and wolves which are found at Wild Ireland to llamas and alpacas found in various retreats to birdwatching at the Wildfowl Reserve, red deer and golden eagles at Ireland’s second largest national park and not to exclude tropical butterflies, lemurs and racoons that can be seen in Tropical World. Donegal does have it all!

There are some other notable mentions which did not make the list such as Donegal Donkey Sanctuary located in Raphoe, Castle Adventure Farm situated near Ballyshannon, The Mullaghderg Highlanders, Dunlewey Centre and Lurgybrack Farm in Letterkenny for example.