Joyful scenes unfolded on Tory Island this morning as donkeys made a triumphant return after more than two decades. Residents, both human and animal lovers, celebrated the occasion.
Marjorie Carroll, manager at Comharchumann Thoraí Teo, transported the delightful trio – two adult mules (both pregnant) and a charming foal – from the mainland via the local ferry. These animals were a heartfelt gift to Ms. Carroll’s children from her father, Tom Doohan.
“Donkeys were once a common sight on Tory, but the last one, I believe, departed around 20 years ago,” Ms. Carroll told Donegal Daily.
“It’s wonderful to have them back. Now, we need to arrange suitable shelter for them during the winter months, as the weather here can be quite severe. They have access to plenty of grazing and seem very content.”
The first donkey to set ‘hoof’ on Tory for the first time in more than 20 years.
In a delightful coincidence, Ms. Carroll’s father-in-law, Pádraig Carroll (pictured below), brought his own donkey with him when his family permanently relocated from Tory to Gweedore nearly 50 years ago.
“He brought his donkey from Tory so that he wouldn’t have to leave it behind. My husband, Dónal, grew up with that donkey for many years,” she concluded.
Pádraig Carroll with the donkey he brought with him when his family moved permanently from Tory to Gweedore in 1977.
Watch: Donkeys return to Tory Island for first time in over 20 years! was last modified: July 15th, 2025 by
Tags:
