Preston House, Abbeyleix was a hive of activity at climate action event

PRESTON House, Abbeyleix was buzzing with activity on Sunday 11 October when the locally based Laois Beekeeping Association hosted its honey, bees and biodiversity awareness day – the event is one of a number of community-hosted events that formed part of the wider Laois Climate Action Festival programme.

The honeybee is one of 99 species of wild bees in Ireland.

The event featured a range of interactive activities, including live honey extraction demonstrations, where attendees saw first-hand how honey travels from hive to jar. Visitors also enjoyed a honey tasting table showcasing a variety of local honeys and highlighting how local flora influences flavour and quality.

One especially popular event was the black jar honey competition, a blind-tasting challenge in which participants selected the winning honey based solely on flavour and aroma.

Younger attendees were able to enjoy a junior pollinator craft and colouring table activity, while visitors of all ages had the opportunity to meet local beekeepers and learn more about beekeeping, biodiversity and the actions everyone can take to support pollinators at home.

Speaking after the event, chairperson Carol Booth thanked the many visitors who attended and supported the day: "The awareness day provided an opportunity for Laois Beekeeping Association to showcase its work while demonstrating how supporting pollinators helps protect the local environment. Through initiatives such as public engagement events such as today, beginner beekeeping courses and wildflower planting projects, we help raise awareness of the links between healthy eco-systems, local food production and climate action.’’ 

To close, Ms Booth took the opportunity to mention their upcoming seven-week beginners’ beekeeping course, which will commence on 10 February 2027. 

Check out their Facebook page for further information or contact any member of the association.

Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.