Registration is now open for 2022 Beginners Beekeeping Course (Bee and Hives Management), organised by the  UL Apiary, UL Environmental Committee and Buren Beekeeping Association. The course is open for UL staff (current/ retired members) and UL students/Visiting Student/Placement students UL).

First meeting and lecture is scheduled for Saturday, 12 March 2022 (10:00-12:00) and will take place on campus of University of Limerick. Subsequent Lectures two to seven will be virtual ( Wednesday evenings, 19:00-20:30). Practical hands-on sessions at the apiary will be offered to participants after completion of all theoretical sessions.

Registration is now open. The registration deadline is 10 March 2022. To register and complete expression of interest please click on the link.

Whether you are completely new to beekeeping or already have a few years as an apiarist under your belt, you will gain valuable insights from our seasoned instructors and their combined experience. This course will give unique opportunity to all participants to hear from internationally recognised expert speakers from across Ireland, to build new knowledge base, to gain a confidence in this area. Participation in this course also will provide opportunity to establish new connections with peer beekeepers across Limerick and Clare Countries, and other part of Ireland. Our students leave with one thing in common: a newfound confidence to start their own hives and pursue their passion for beekeeping.

Topics covered: Biology of the Bee/The Beekeeping Calendar and Seasonal Beekeeping Management/ Hives, Equipment and Apiary management/Pests and Diseases Management of the Honeybee/ Maintaining Bee Colonies/Swarming and Queen rearing/ Products of the Hive and Honey production

Delivery format and participation requirements: In 2022, beekeeping course will be delivered via blended format to offer maximum flexibility to all participants who want to engage and complete this study. Course will combine online aspects with in-classroom experience to allow for an accessible learning style. Blended learning during this course will realised via group meeting and lecture on site, tour to UL apiary, livestreamed lectures via Sulis Platform (one evening per week 19:00-20:30, Wednesdays starting March 23), access to materials on demand within dedicated virtual learning platform, hands-on sessions at apiary, mentoring sessions).

UPDATE 7 March 2022:

We have had an overwhelming response from UL community and this course now is full.  Unfortunately, we are not in a position to accept any new applications. All interested parties are welcome to join a similar course that will be organised during Spring 2023.