Native Irish Honey Bee Society
Available to Purchase Below
“The Native Irish Honey Bee, Apis mellifera mellifera” focuses exclusively on the native Irish honey bee, featuring narratives on its evolution, genetics, history and conservation, with practical “How-to” sections on bee improvement, plus real-life stories from commercial beekeepers. Its aims are to increase awareness of and appreciation for the precious resources imbued in the native black honey bee, to encourage beekeepers to choose native Irish honey bees and to discourage the buying and importation of non-native honey bees.
Interested in setting up a NIHBS Conservation Area?
We believe that setting up a conservation area for these precious creatures is a crucial step towards preserving their population and ensuring their survival for generations to come. We invite you to consider joining us in this important mission by learning more about the Native Irish Black Bee and the steps you can take to help protect them.
Contact our Conservation Officer now to discuss how to begin.
Latest NIHBS News
Protection of the Native Irish Honeybee Bill 2021 TG4
https://www.tg4.ie/en/player/home/?pid=6307204791112 Check this out from #TG4 #Seanad #vincentpmartin Paddy O’Fiannachta, Camus. Jill Uí Dhuinn Bhig, Indreabhan. Felim Burke, Maigh Cuileann. Siún Nic Gearailt
Directions for Tullamore bee improvement day
Start time 2 PMEircode for nearest house to apiary. THE EVENT IS NOT AT THIS HOUSE, APIARY IS FURTHER DOWN CLONMINCH LANE Donegal bees will …
Protection of The Native Irish Honey Bee Bill
Aoife Nic Giolla Coda, as 2022 Chairperson of the Native Irish Honey Bee Society, (and Chair of South Tipperary Beekeepers Association) I am thrilled to …
The Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021 (2nd Stage)
Dear NIHBS Member, We need your help please! The Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021 (Protection Bill) will go through its 2nd stage …
Coloss questionnaire COLOSS: Honey Bee Winter Colony Loss Survey2021/2022Dear Beekeeper,Your contribution to this annual survey on colony losses would be much appreciated. Thesurvey aims to …
NIHBS Conference 2023
Join us at the Tullamore Court Hotel on Friday, March 10th and Saturday, March 11th for the Native Irish Honeybee Society Conference. This exciting event will feature presentations and discussions on the latest research, techniques, and challenges facing beekeepers and honeybee conservation in Ireland.
Nominations are needed for The Sam Millar Award open for all members who support NIHBS and the Native Irish Honey Bee
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from experts in the field, network with fellow beekeepers, and explore the latest products and services available to support the honeybee industry.
Don’t miss out on this important event – purchase your tickets today! Tickets can be purchased online by using the button below. We look forward to seeing you at the conference 2023!
ONLINE Booking for the conference will stop on Thursday night at midnight
About NIHBS
The Native Irish Honey Bee Society was established to promote the conservation of Apis mellifera mellifera throughout the island of Ireland. The Society strives to raise public awareness of our native honey bee and its importance, and acts in an advisory capacity to groups and individuals wishing to promote and preserve it.
What Our Native Honey Bee Looks Like
Apis mellifera mellifera (aka European dark bee) can be distinguished from other subspecies by its stocky body, overall dark coloration, plus abundant thoracic and sparse abdominal hair, which is brown. There can be heavy dark pigmentation of the wings. Overall, when viewed from a distance, these bees should appear blackish or rich dark brown.
Bee Improvement
As part of our conservation mission, NIHBS advocates that Irish beekeepers buy native bees. To that end, NIHBS is affiliated with multiple bee breeding groups located around the country. Find out more about them by clicking the button below.
