A gentle refuge
for 450 lives
who needed
daylight.
We create safe and loving forever homes for farmed and domestic animals in need — and share their stories so others can see the beauty and individuality of every creature.
Encouraging kindness and speaking out against animal abuse.
Forever
A loving home for every animal who arrives at our gates.
We open the gate.
They walk into daylight.
Back Into Daylight is a non-profit animal sanctuary in Eastern Ireland. We rescue farmed and domestic animals who have been abandoned, neglected, or born on the streets — and we give them the best life possible.
For the small domestic animals in our care, we foster them and find families best suited to their needs and personality. For everyone else, we are their forever home.
By sharing the stories of our residents with the public, we strive to show people the incredible beauty and individuality of other animals.
Over 450 lives,
each with a name and a story.
At the moment we care for over 450 animals: goats, pigs, cats, ducks, geese, dogs, pigeons, hens, cockerels, small birds and many more. Get to know them — and learn their unique stories.
Goats
A SMALL HERDCurious, mischievous, and endlessly affectionate. Our goats roam the fields in family groups.
Pigs
SEVERAL RESCUESIntelligent, gentle giants who love a good mud bath and a slow afternoon nap in the sun.
Cats
MANY IN FOSTERFrom shy strays to confident cuddle-bugs, our cats are fostered and rehomed with care.
Ducks
A GROWING FLOCKWaddling, splashing, and quacking their way through every season with joyful abandon.
Hens & Cockerels
HUNDREDSRescued from the egg and meat industries, these birds finally know what safety feels like.
Dogs
TWO DEAR FRIENDSLoyal companions who follow us around the sanctuary and into every quiet moment of the day.
Pigeons
A PEACEFUL FLOCKGentle, sociable, and surprisingly intelligent — flying into our hearts one coo at a time.
Geese
A GROWING FLOCKLoyal, watchful, and full of quiet character — they keep a dignified eye over the sanctuary.
Peacocks
A SMALL GROUPRegal, dazzling, and unmistakably dramatic — every walk past their enclosure is a small event.
Exotic Birds
A VARIED FLOCKFrom far-flung rescues to surrendered companions — every colour and call adds something new to the sanctuary.
See more of our family
Every resident has a name and a story. Browse the full gallery to meet each one — from gentle giants and shy rescues to the smallest lives we've welcomed home.
Meet Our ResidentsSix gentle ways
to stand with them.
Our sanctuary is growing by the day and at the moment we rely on a small group of volunteers and private donors to keep the gates open. Find the way that feels right for you.
Donate
Every contribution goes directly to feed, shelter, and medical care for our residents.
Volunteer
Join our small but mighty team of volunteers who keep the sanctuary running day to day.
Sponsor a Resident
Become the dedicated sponsor of one of our animals and follow their journey.
Corporate Sponsorship
Partner with us as a business and help us grow our capacity to rescue more lives.
Purchase Supplies
Send feed, bedding, and medical supplies directly to the sanctuary.
Gift in Your Will
Leave a lasting legacy by including the sanctuary in your will, helping care for animals for generations to come.
Help us care for cats in need.
All funds raised will go towards helping cats who were abandoned, neglected, or born on the streets. We foster them in our cattery and find loving homes best suited to their needs and personalities.
'It is not an act of kindness to treat animals respectfully. It is an act of justice."
Know the numbers
Worldwide, more than 70 billion land animals are killed for food every year. We run an outreach program to encourage people to end their part in any use and abuse of animals.
We'd love to hear from you.
Whether you have a question, want to volunteer, or simply want to say hello — drop us a line. We will do our very best to respond within 72 hours.
Send us a message
Fill in the form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Animals in distress?
If you find an animal in need of urgent medical attention, please visit your local veterinary surgery before reaching out to us.
Every life deserves to walk into daylight.
Back Into Daylight operates as a registered charity and has been recognised as of benefit to the community. We are grateful for every hand that helps us keep the gates open.