
PRACTICAL FULL DAY HIVE MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION WORKSHOP
Anthony Nea
Saturday 3rd May 2025
10.30am to 4pm
The workshop will be delivered by Anthony Nea a highly experienced beekeeper. Anthony has been keeping bees for many years. He places great emphasis and is a strong believer on the value of doing and hands-on practical experience. Everyone will be suited and kitted out. There will be plenty of opportunity to work with the bees. A bee suit will be provided if required but we do advise to bring your own suitable footwear.
This practical hive inspection and maintenance workshop will provide you with the knowledge, the confidence and the practical skills that are necessary to keep bees and have the joy of your own honey. You will discover all you need to know about safe and successful beekeeping. This one day workshop is a natural follow on for those who completed the theoretical beginner Workshop in March but it is also suitable for anyone who already keep bees but would like some more assistance and practical experience.
Most of this workshop will be spent out with the bees. Everyone will have the opportunity to read the honey comb and handle the hive. Everyone must be appropriately dressed with good closed footwear. No sandals please! There will be a lot of information shared and a lot to absorb, there is no better way to learn than to actually do and see first hand.
What to Expect....
10:30 AM - Welcome Tea & Coffee and Introductions
Begin the day with a warm welcome! Participants can enjoy homemade scones, coffee, and tea by the log fire in the renovated stables.
Morning Session - Hive Maintenance and Inspection (Practical)
This part of the workshop will be in our apiary. which is just a short walk away
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Setting an apiary
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Acquiring Bees
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Using a smoker /water sprayer
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Opening a Hive
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Reading the Comb
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Hive Records
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Swarming
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Supering
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Diseases
1:00 PM - Lunch Break
Indulge in a delicious, home-cooked lunch served in the dining room of Coolamber House. This beautifully restored period room, with its long table and elegant details, offers the perfect setting for a leisurely meal and good conversation. Enjoy home cooked dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, and raise a glass of cava to celebrate the day.
Afternoon Session- Hives Maintenance and Inspection (Practical)
Once the workshop is complete you should be equipped with a much better level of knowledge which will provide a great foundation to having you own hives. You will be another step closer to the dream of having an apiary and producing your own honey. You will have the opportunity to meet other participants who are also on the same Journey. All you need is your enthusiasm as everything will be provided
Note: If desired a number of Participants on the course will have the option to purchase a nuc hive of native Irish black bees. This will be on a first come bases and can be discussed with tutor Anthony during the workshop as these nuc hives will be limited.
The course will be strictly limited . Booking in advance online to secure your place. Places allocated on a first come basis.
IMPORTANT DATES for your diary:We will have one last bee keeping workshops in September 2025
Participants who attend the first workshop in March/ May will have first refusal.
13th Sept 2025: Extracting Honey and Feed for Winter