Getting Started In Beekeeping

The best way to start beekeeping in the County Cork area, is to attend the course for beginners held each year in October at Cork Institute of Technology. The classes are held each Wednesday evening from mid-October for six weeks. New members are invited to return for the Spring series of talks commencing in early February. Even though they are not specifically for beginners much information about beekeeping can be learned at these talks.

The fact of being amongst experienced beekeepers also helps, because listening to their stories is invaluable to the beginner. In April special practical instruction sessions are arranged at the Association Apiary situated on the Carrigrohane Straight Road.

If you make enquiries about becoming a beekeeper during the Spring/Summer periods, you may be able to accompany an experienced beekeeper during his/her routine visits to the apiary. This would be a great introduction to the craft and you could follow that with attendance at the Autumn classes later.