Irish Bee Foundation CLG

The Irish Bee Foundation is a voluntary-led organisation focused on the promotion, preservation, and protection of the native Irish black bee through education. Its mission is to provide a structured approach to education for its members, delivered through its branches, and to link further education opportunities with like-minded third-level colleges. The foundation strongly opposes the importation of bees, aligning with the Native Irish Honeybee Society, citing risks such as disease spread, pest introduction, and genetic disruption to Apis mellifera mellifera.

The foundation offers a graded education programme, including Grade 1 - Introduction to Beekeeping, a Grade 2 Pilot Program, and a Grade 3 in progress. Membership benefits include third-party beekeeping insurance, reduced BeeCraft subscriptions, and monthly Zoom meetings. It also plans a Beekeeping Convention in March 2026, subject to membership numbers.