I have longer, L-shaped bar ends. On these I install regular grips -- mountain bike grips. Then I wrap handlebar tape around the entire bar-end and grip to add further cushion. The end result are thick bar-ends. I spend almost half my time gripping the side of the bar end, about the other half on my Ergon grips on my handlebar, and a bit of time on the L-shaped extension of the bar end. I find these positions and grips to be enough to allow me to ride 60 miles a day on tours. Here's the Ergon grip I use:

http://www.ergon-bike.com/us/en/product/gp1

Post images of your bike!