Members of iBeekeepers formed the Iveragh Native Irish Honey Bee Conservation Group in 2013 with a view to expanding the numbers of our locally adapted native Irish honey bee (Apis Mellifera Mellifera) colonies to purchase at a realistic/affordable price for the benefit of our members and new beekeepers in the area. Last Monday (19th May) we had a larvae grafting workshop in Fermoyle Castle, Ballinskelligs; led by member Tom Carr – great learning experience and fun too…

Pat Curran, South Kerry commercial beekeeper (Sunhill Honey) and member of the Killorglin Beekeepers Association, entertained and enlightened us with a lively seminar and discussion on the beekeeper’s tasks in early Spring

He also demonstrated a variety of practical methods of propagating bee colonies in our own apiaries – something of great interest to us all in this era of declining bee population Worldwide!

Our audience –  beekeepers, and those interested in beekeeping, from around the district (Ballinskelligs, Cahersiveen, Dromid, Kells, Valentia, Waterville).

We all appreciated Pat’s empathetic and interactive teaching style, and inspired by his depth of knowledge – both practical and theoretical.

The craic was good too!

Beekeeping is always interesting, occasionally challenging but satisfying and rewarding – why not join us? – and learn about one of the Wonders of Nature right here in South Kerry?