1974 - 2026
Celebrating 52 Years
Founding Member Joe Good with our youngest member Isabel Haran
Ashford Beekeepers Association is a friendly, volunteer-led beekeeping community based in County Wicklow. We support beginners and experienced beekeepers through education, mentoring, events and shared learning, while promoting responsible beekeeping, public awareness and the conservation of the native Irish honey bee.
About Ashford Beekeepers Association
We bring together people of all ages and experience levels who share an interest in bees, beekeeping, pollinators and the natural environment. Our members include beginners, experienced beekeepers, hobbyists and those who simply want to learn more about bees and their importance in the world around us.
ABKA is a place to learn, ask questions, share experience and support one another. Whether you are thinking about keeping bees for the first time, developing your skills, or simply interested in helping pollinators, you are very welcome.
Our History
Ashford Beekeepers Association was formed in Ashford on 12 September 1974, following a public invitation in the Wicklow People for those interested in beekeeping to come together and form a new association.
Twenty-four people attended that first meeting, and seventeen became members of the newly formed association. Since then, ABKA has continued to grow as a local community of people brought together by a shared interest in bees and beekeeping.
We are proud of our history and grateful to all those who have contributed to the Association over the years. Their work, generosity and commitment have helped create the welcoming and supportive association we continue to build today.
Our Purpose
ABKA exists to promote and further the craft of beekeeping, to support beekeepers at all stages of their journey, and to help protect and promote the native Irish honey bee, Apis mellifera mellifera. The Association’s ethos specifically highlights promoting beekeeping and conserving the dark native bee as core objectives.
We also work to raise public awareness of the importance of bees, pollinators and biodiversity. Through talks, events, courses and community engagement, we aim to help people understand the vital role bees play in our environment.
What We Do
ABKA supports members and the wider community through:
- beginner beekeeping education
- mentoring and practical advice
- talks, meetings and seasonal events
- apiary demonstrations and shared learning
- public awareness about bees and pollinators
- swarm information and guidance
- promotion of responsible beekeeping
- conservation of the native Irish honey bee
Our activities are designed to be practical, friendly and accessible. We believe beekeeping is best learned through a combination of good teaching, hands-on experience, patient observation and support from others.
Our Ethos
ABKA has a strong community ethos. We believe in cooperation, respect, kindness, friendship and generosity of spirit.
We encourage members to share knowledge freely and to help one another develop their skills in a non-competitive and collaborative environment. No one individual matters more than the group, and everyone has something valuable to contribute.
Our members may have different levels of experience, different styles of beekeeping and different reasons for being involved, but we are united by a shared love of bees and a wish to support each other.
Supporting New Beekeepers
Starting beekeeping can feel exciting, but also a little daunting. There is a lot to learn, and every season brings something new.
ABKA provides a supportive environment for beginners to build confidence gradually. Through courses, mentoring, meetings and informal advice, new beekeepers can learn the basics of bee biology, equipment, hive management, inspections, swarming, honey production, bee health and seasonal care.
You do not need to own bees to become involved. Many people join ABKA first, attend meetings, meet other beekeepers and learn more before deciding whether keeping bees is right for them.
Native Irish Honeybee Conservation
ABKA supports the conservation and promotion of the native Irish honey bee, Apis mellifera mellifera.
The native Irish honey bee is part of Ireland’s natural heritage. Responsible beekeeping, careful education and thoughtful local practice all have an important role to play in protecting it for future generations.
We encourage members to consider the wider impact of their beekeeping and to support practices that respect bees, biodiversity and the local environment.
Membership
If you are interested in bees, beekeeping or pollinator conservation, we would be delighted to welcome you.
Whether you are a complete beginner, an experienced beekeeper, a gardener, a nature lover or someone simply curious to learn more, ABKA offers a friendly place to start.
Enquire about Membership