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Beekeeping Course
March 3rd - April 21st 2026
The cost of this course is included in your membership
NKBKA holds a Beekeeping Course in March/April each year, which is open to existing, novice and beginner beekeepers. It provides a fantastic opportunity to learn and develop the skills required to be a beekeeper. Apiary visits are highly recommended prior to acquiring bees and mentoring is available at NKBKA apiaries.
The 2026 course will begin on March 3rd at Gaelcholáiste Chill Dara, in Naas – W91 E282.. This will be an in-person course for 2026 and not available on-line. All Tuesday courses or meetings begin at 8pm sharp and normally finish by 9.30pm. *** TOPICS AND DATES ARE CURRENTLY IN DRAFT AND MAY CHANGE***
Association apiary visits after course completion are included.
** The fees for the course cover your NKBKA membership, your annual beekeepers insurance, membership of the IBAclg and access to the association apiaries. The lecturers are experienced members of the association and are all beekeepers.
- Week 1 — Tuesday 3rd March - Welcome & Course Introduction. Occupants of the Hive, their life cycle and functions for beginners.
- Week 2 — Tuesday 10th March - The beekeeping year in brief. Beekeeping Equipment and Clothing. Beekeeping Terms & Glossary. Forage and bee flora.
- Week 3 — Saturday 21st March - Practical and interactive session covering hive types, hive/nuc/frame/sections assembly, smokers/fuel and extractors.
- Week 4 — Tuesday 24th March - Spring & Summer Management. Weekly Inspections and Notes.
- Week 5 — Tuesday 14th April - Adult bee diseases and pests. Bee Health & Hygiene. Health & Safety.
- Week 6 — Tuesday 21st April - Brood diseases
- Week 7 — Tuesday 28th April - Swarms and swarming.
