Level 2Coming soonBuilding your skills
Look after a colony through the whole year and read what it needs.
- Reading brood, stores and temper
- Spotting and preventing swarms
- Feeding and preparing for winter
Protecting Ireland’s native black bee
The Irish Bee & Heritage Foundation connects communities with nature through conservation, education and Irish heritage projects.
Why the Irish Black Bee matters
The Irish Black Bee is uniquely adapted to Ireland’s climate and plays a vital role in pollination, biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
However, habitat loss, hybridisation and environmental pressures now threaten its future.
By protecting this native species, we help safeguard ecosystems, support food production and preserve a living part of Ireland’s natural heritage.
Conservation
Protecting and restoring Ireland’s native bee for future generations.
Education
Structured learning and hands-on training for people of all ages.
Traditional skills
Preserving beekeeping crafts and Irish heritage practices.
Conservation
Protecting and restoring Ireland’s native bee for future generations.
Education
Structured learning and hands-on training for people of all ages.
Traditional skills
Preserving beekeeping crafts and Irish heritage practices.
Learn beekeeping, step by step
A clear learning path from beginner to advanced beekeeping, with hands-on training at the hive.
Level 1Booking nowBeekeeping for beginners
Your first season with bees, from suiting up to opening a hive with confidence.
- How a honeybee colony works
- Safe handling, the smoker and your kit
- Your first hive inspection
- Level 2Coming soon
Level 3Coming soonAdvanced practice
Keep colonies healthy and start growing your apiary.
- Varroa, pests and disease
- Making splits and nucleus colonies
- Queen cells and queen rearing
Level 4Coming soonMastering beekeeping
Run an apiary, bring in the harvest and help secure the Irish Black Bee.
- Breeding for native traits
- Harvesting and extracting honey
- Mentoring new beekeepers
Heritage programmes
Hands-on workshops in the crafts and traditions that grew up alongside Irish beekeeping.
Basket making
Weave baskets from willow using traditional Irish methods.
Skep making
Coil straw into a skep, the hive used before wooden boxes.
Candle making
Roll and pour candles from pure beeswax.
Mead making
Brew mead, the honey wine Ireland has made for centuries.
Limerick lace
Learn the fine needlework lace Limerick is known for.
Irish dog breeds
Meet Ireland’s native breeds, from the wolfhound to the Kerry Blue.
Help protect the Irish Black Bee
Your donation supports conservation of Ireland’s native bee and keeps its heritage crafts alive.