Beekeeping course for beginners 2025

Thanks to all who joined us on our recent Zoom session on March 5th and our open night on March 13th. It was great to meet you all and we are delighted that you have decided to train with us this year. We wish you well on your beekeeping journey, and will give you all the support and resources you need to become a confident beekeeper.

2025 course overview

The course consists of 6 sessions and includes beekeeping theory, practice and hands-on apiary training. The first 4 classes are from 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM in the Digital Hub in Sneem. Apiary training sessions are from * 10:30 am to 12:30pm (*apiary dates and times will be confirmed closer to the date as this is weather dependent.)

Tuesday, March 25th - Bees & Us

-Bees as social insects, and our relationship with them
-The colony: castes, lifecycles and division of labour
-The queen and her role in the colony, marking
-Seasonal forage: how bees use nectar, pollen, propolis and water
-Choosing an apiary site

Tuesday, April 1st - The Hive

-The hive and how it works: components, types, stands
- Hive management and maintenance
-What do good bees look like
-Pests and diseases: varroa, DAFM
-Record keeping
-Basic equipment: costs, suppliers

Tuesday, April 8th - The Beekeeping Year

- The beekeeping calendar of activity
- Swarming: why, and what we can do about it
- Honey harvest: food regulations for jarring, labelling and sale
-Wax production and use in the hive

Tuesday, April 15th - Your First Hive

-Getting started,: where to get bees
-Transporting and transferring a colony into a new box.
-Health & safety: risk assessments, stings and treatment, allergic reaction
-Club apiary & mentoring
- Resources: insurance, Irish Beekeeping Association assessments

*Saturday, April 26th - Meet the Bees

A hands-on session in the club apiary
Meet the bees in a controlled environment
Safety talks and standard hive protocol

*weather permitting


*Saturday, May 3rd - Meet the Bees

A hands-on session in the club apiary
Meet the bees in a controlled environment
Safety talks and standard hive protocol

*weather permitting

Frequently Asked Questions

  • All you need to bring is a desire to learn. We will teach you everything you need to know about beginner beekeeping. Our goal is to give you the confidence to decide that beekeeping is for you. As a member of the club you will have all the support you need to develop your craft.

  • Over the course of your training we will provide you with a comprehensive list of all the equipment you will need. You will need a bee suit to start with!