The Irish Donkey Society was founded in 1972 with the aim of raising the status of the donkey in Ireland. The donkey,  which had been an integral and important part of the lives of many rural communities, had gone into decline in terms of numbers and importance due to changes in agricultural practices and increased mechanisation. The Society aims to promote the donkey to the general public in any realistic way it can.

The Society works towards encouraging donkey classes at agricultural shows and gives advice, on request, on the management and husbandry of donkeys in general. A panel of judges is available to show societies and show committees may seek affiliation to the society.

Irish Donkey Society members range from donkey owners to non-donkey owners, adults to juniors who have an awareness  of and an interest in donkeys and their welfare.