Learn all you need to know about bees and honey
Honey bees, domesticated for honey production and crop pollination, play an important role in Irish agriculture and natural life. It is estimated that one third of the food we consume each day relies pollination by insect, birds, and bats, but bees are by far the most important of these. Without these, fruit such cucumbers broccoli, blueberries would be endangered. The pollination of many commercial crops is also dependent on bees, as is clover and other animal food sources.
Bees also pollinate many of the plants which produce seeds, berries and fruits eaten by birds and small mammals, essentially making bees the guardians of the food chain and the biodiversity of species. Unfortunately many species of bee face extinction as a result of insecticide use, intensive farming and climate change. Beekeeping - the science and art of rearing bees - is therefore an important hobby, and plays a role in maintaining bee stocks.
Honey has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, and contains large amounts of antioxidants. It has been used in medicine for over 5,000 years. It can heal wounds and burns, reduce the duration of diarrhoea, prevent acid reflux, help fight infections, relieve cold and cough symptoms, act as a healthier alternative to refined sugar in the diet.
A typical beekeeping course enables novice beekeepers to understand the complex and facinating world of these important little creatures, and covers the life cycle of the hive; how bees swarm; recognising worker, drone and queen bees; equipment needed; seasonal actives; stings; feeding; harvesting honey; diseases and pests. By the end you should know almost everything you need to know to set up and maintain your own hive.
Bees also pollinate many of the plants which produce seeds, berries and fruits eaten by birds and small mammals, essentially making bees the guardians of the food chain and the biodiversity of species. Unfortunately many species of bee face extinction as a result of insecticide use, intensive farming and climate change. Beekeeping - the science and art of rearing bees - is therefore an important hobby, and plays a role in maintaining bee stocks.
Honey has antiseptic and antibacterial properties, and contains large amounts of antioxidants. It has been used in medicine for over 5,000 years. It can heal wounds and burns, reduce the duration of diarrhoea, prevent acid reflux, help fight infections, relieve cold and cough symptoms, act as a healthier alternative to refined sugar in the diet.
A typical beekeeping course enables novice beekeepers to understand the complex and facinating world of these important little creatures, and covers the life cycle of the hive; how bees swarm; recognising worker, drone and queen bees; equipment needed; seasonal actives; stings; feeding; harvesting honey; diseases and pests. By the end you should know almost everything you need to know to set up and maintain your own hive.
Where to find a beekeeping course in Kildare and Dublin
Learn all you need to know about keeping bees – their life cycle, the role they play in nature, swarming, hives, honey and much more with the Beekeeping courses offered at the following schools:
Boyne Community School, Trim, Co Meath • Coláiste Chiaráin, Leixlip. Co Kildare • Newpark Comprehensive School, Blackrock, Co Dublin • Pobalscoil Neasáin, Baldoyle, Dublin 13 • Portmarnock Community School, Dublin • Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane, Co Kildare.
Please note that there is usually a waiting list for these courses and they often fill up long before term starts. Book early to avoid disappointment. Courses are added at other schools in our network from time to time. Check out links to your local schools on our homepage for the most up-to-date course lists. If bees are not quite your thing, you'll find other pet care courses at some of our schools, along with a whole range of hobby and certified courses on a host of other topics.
Boyne Community School, Trim, Co Meath • Coláiste Chiaráin, Leixlip. Co Kildare • Newpark Comprehensive School, Blackrock, Co Dublin • Pobalscoil Neasáin, Baldoyle, Dublin 13 • Portmarnock Community School, Dublin • Scoil Mhuire Community School, Clane, Co Kildare.
Please note that there is usually a waiting list for these courses and they often fill up long before term starts. Book early to avoid disappointment. Courses are added at other schools in our network from time to time. Check out links to your local schools on our homepage for the most up-to-date course lists. If bees are not quite your thing, you'll find other pet care courses at some of our schools, along with a whole range of hobby and certified courses on a host of other topics.