10,000 bees take up residence on Mayo island in sanctuary project

MAYO'S Inishturk has welcomed a swarm of new residents with the arrival of 10,000 bees.

In a first for the island ferry, the bees hopped aboard this week on a journey that will see them populating the proposed Inishturk Native Irish Honey Bee Sanctuary.

The arrival of the bees marked a very special moment for the island as it celebrated World Bee Day and an exciting first step in this community-led conservation and biodiversity initiative.

The community gathered in Paddy and Annie Alice O’Toole’s field for an inspiring afternoon of learning, conversation, and hands-on beekeeping with sanctuary founder Dr. Sean O’Connor, who shared his knowledge and passion for protecting Ireland’s native honey bee.

The island also has some new beekeepers as the young students of St. Columba’s National School received their own beekeeping suits as they learned all about the new sanctuary project, pollinators, biodiversity, and the important role bees play in the environment.

From the ferry crossing to the first hive demonstrations, it was a memorable day for Inishturk and a hopeful step towards a healthier future for Ireland’s native honey bee population.

Dr. Sean O’Connor, founder of Wild Atlantic Honey & Mead, is behind the initiative to establish a native Irish honey bee sanctuary on Inishturk.

Honeybee populations across Ireland and Europe have faced significant pressure in recent decades, with some estimates suggesting declines of up to 50% over the past 20 years, largely due to the spread of the parasitic mite Varroa destructor.

It is hoped to establish a sustainable varroa-free colony of native Irish honeybees on Inishturk, creating a biosecure project and offering a valuable case study for other offshore islands interested in protecting native pollinators.