FAQs

No — you don't need to own bees to join us.

Some new members start by attending our lectures and learning more about beekeeping before getting their own bees. This is a good way to find out what is involved and to get to know other beekeepers.

Ultimately, beekeeping is a practical hobby, and you learn a great deal by working with bees. Most people who decide to take it up will want to have their own hive or hives once they have gained some knowledge and experience.

No. You don't have to keep bees in your own garden.

For some people, a garden is a convenient place for a hive. However, it isn't suitable for everyone — for example, if you live in an apartment, have a small garden, have young children, or have neighbours living very close by.

Many farmers and landowners are happy to have bees on their land because of their value as pollinators. A beekeeper may be able to arrange an apiary site with a local landowner.

ECBKA membership includes insurance, which can be important when arranging a site for your hives.

ECBKA annual membership is currently €75, including insurance, FIBKA membership and the monthly An Beachaire magazine.

Setting up your own bees requires additional equipment. As a guide, a beginner might expect to spend approximately €750–€1,000 on bees, a hive and the basic equipment needed to get started, depending on how many hives you start with and what equipment you buy.

Joining a local association can also be useful when looking for good-quality second-hand equipment and advice on what you actually need before buying.

There is a lot to learn, but you don't have to learn it all at once!

Beekeeping is a practical hobby, and experience comes with time. You will learn from successful seasons as well as from the challenges that inevitably arise.

Our experienced members are happy to share what they have learned and help beginners develop their knowledge and confidence.

For many people, that combination of learning, working outdoors and caring for a colony of bees is what makes beekeeping such a rewarding hobby.

If you don't have bees of your own yet, you will need a full bee suit before taking part in our apiary sessions.

When you are ready to keep your own bees, you will need equipment such as:

• A suitable hive and frames

• Wax foundation

• A hive tool

• A smoker

• A bee brush

• A feeder

• A full bee suit.

• Bees — often purchased as a nucleus colony or "nuc"

There are other pieces of equipment you may need as your beekeeping develops. We recommend learning about what you need before making major purchases.

Our meetings and apiary sessions are for members only for insurance reasons

If you are interested in joining but would like to know more first, please contact us. We are happy to answer questions about membership and what is involved in getting started.

Yes. Supporting new beekeepers is an important part of what we do!

Our lecture and discussion series cover topics relevant to both new and experienced beekeepers. During the summer, our beginner members can also attend practical apiary sessions where they can see experienced beekeepers working with bees and learn about hive management.

These sessions provide an opportunity to ask questions and build practical knowledge and confidence.

You can start learning about beekeeping at any time of year.

The best time to begin keeping bees will depend on the season and availability of bees, but you don't need to wait until you have bees to start learning.

Joining the association, attending lectures and preparing your equipment can all be done before you get your first colony. Starting early gives you time to learn the basics and prepare for the coming beekeeping season.