This short video about beekeeping has been developed in conjunction with students of the Kerry ETB (Education Training Board) and the Beaufort Beekeepers Association. The video features 2 of our founding members (Dan and Tuddy) and the chairperson (Ulrich) and reflects our mindset at the Beaufort Beekeepers - being focused on natural beekeeping, preserving the craft and the honeybee! Enjoy the video and contact us, if you have any queries or want to join a vibrant honey bee association in Co. Kerry. Finally, we thank Seamus and Peter for their work and time invested in this educating video clip. It was a pleasure working with you in the apiary. You are pure professionals.

Over 70 beekeepers attended the 1st Kerry Beekeepers’ Gathering at the Beaufort Bar in Beaufort last night. The Beaufort Beekeepers hosted the event and are delighted with the turn out with beekeepers representing their respective clubs travelling from Dunmanway, Beara Peninsula, Killorglin, Castleisland, Dingle and Tralee. The night was a great success and hopefully a precursor to future gatherings of Beekeeping associations in the West-Cork/Kerry area. The event was attended by Beekeepers of all levels and as intended, information and practices shared amongst the clubs.

The first speaker was Tom O’Sullivan of Collis Sandes Beekeepers, Tralee. Tom explained how he recycles all his old wax and cappings to make his own foundation sheets for brood frames and supers. Next up was Donal Kelleher from Dunmanway & District Beekeepers.

On the Thursday the 6th of February the Beaufort Beekeepers invite all Kerry Beekeepers Associations to join the 1st Kerry Beekeepers Gathering at 8p.m. in Beaufort Bar, Beaufort, Co. Kerry.

The evening is under the motto: “Show and Tell"

A couple of our very own Beekeepers will show and explain tried and tested but new methods in
Beekeeping. Learn how to make your own foundation or wire your own frames. Of course, there will be
plenty time to have chat on/about our favourite buzzing hobby during and after the Show & Tell sessions.

Show & Tell 1: Roll your own foundation
Speaker: Tom O’Sullivan (Collis Sandes Beekeepers, Tralee)
Tom is beekeeping since 1977. For the past couple of years, he makes his own foundation. He says: ”It is
too simple, not to do it!.” All his foundation is wire free and it works best for him. Why? – Ask him on the
night.

Show & Tell 2: A brood and a half
Speaker: Donal Kelleher (Dunmanway & District Beekeepers)
Donal is a beekeeper with the past decade. He will give a brief presentation on brood and a half and
increasing the stock of bees for the honey flow. Do you raise your own queens? If yes, Donal has some
tips for you on raising queens.

Beaufort Beekeepers were represented at the 'Knowing Nature in Autumn' event held at the Killarney House and Gardens on the weekend of 28th/29th of September. Tuddy and Michael provided lots of information to the public including various components of a national beehive, honeycomb, honey and a working glass beehive where the visitors could examine the bees in action and identify the queen when she graced us with her presence. Other events that took place were...  information on saving seeds from plants and trees; a guide on how to identify wild flowers; a demonstration on butter-making; a screening of a documentary about the Kerry cow; and a mini bio-blitz. Other groups involved will include Clean Coasts, Genesis Bird Boxes, and the Irish Wildlife Trust, and the event also offered a number of drop-in family nature activities.

Killarney House & Gardens and Killarney National Park Education Centre (KNPEC) are holding a FREE two day event with informative talks and activities on the 28th and 29th September 2019. Beufort beekeepers will have a stand providing information on the Saturday.

Both days will bring together various groups from around Kerry who will offer a variety of talks and activities. The talks will focus on the rich natural heritage of Kerry, highlighting the extraordinary work being done in the locality and the activities will demonstrate a practical element to conservation. All aiming to foster an appreciation of the natural world around us

Taken from 'The Kerryman' December 15 2018 12:00 AM
 written by Tadgh Evans

Club members at the Beaufort Beekeepers' Association have honoured Kilgobnet's Dan O'Sullivan by making him the association's first Honorary President.
Mr O'Sullivan received the John Foley Memorial Cup, named in honour of a member who passed away earlier this year following a short illness. 

He was known worldwide and won world titles for the quality of his honey. The trophy was presented to Mr O'Sullivan for his diligence when it comes to attending club meetings and for his willingness to impart his 40 years' knowledge of beekeeping to fellow members.

With such a prestigious title and trophy up for grabs in the club's regular meeting spot, the Beaufort Bar and Restaurant, last Thursday, it was the members' unanimous view that Mr O'Sullivan should become the first recipient of both honours.