Mayo island celebrates World Bee Day with launch of native Irish honeybee sanctuary
More than 10,000 bees arrive in Inishturk as a community-led initiative aims to boost biodiversity, support native bee conservation and inspire sustainable tourism
In Mayo, Inishturk Island marked World Bee Day with the launch of a major new biodiversity initiative aimed at protecting Ireland’s native honey bee population.
A special community event held on Tuesday, May 19, celebrated the arrival of more than 10,000 bees to the island as part of the proposed Inishturk Native Irish Honey Bee Sanctuary initiative.
The bees travelled by ferry to Inishturk earlier this week and have begun populating the sanctuary in what organisers described as a major milestone for a community-led conservation project focused on supporting healthier and more sustainable bee populations in an isolated island environment.
The initiative is also expected to contribute to research exploring ways to reduce the impact of the destructive Varroa mite, widely regarded as one of the most serious threats facing honey bee populations worldwide.
Held in the field of Paddy and Annie Alice O’Toole, the event brought together local residents, families, children and visitors for an afternoon of learning, hands-on demonstrations and discussion about pollinators, biodiversity and beekeeping.
Beekeeping demonstrations were led by Dr Sean O’Connor, who organisers praised for sharing his expertise and passion for protecting Ireland’s native honey bees.
Special recognition was also given to Helen Moran, Inishturk’s Biodiversity and Community Officer, for her role in helping bring the sanctuary project to fruition.
One of the day’s highlights was the participation of students from St. Columba’s National School, who received their own beekeeping suits while learning about pollinators, biodiversity and the environmental importance of bees.
Organisers paid tribute to Paddy and Annie Alice O’Toole for providing the field where the sanctuary hives are now located, describing their support and enthusiasm as vital to the project.
The sanctuary initiative is set to become a major feature of the planned Taste of Inishturk – Agri-Food & Maritime Tourism Festival 2026, building on the success of a pilot programme launched in 2025 under agri-tourism funding.
The expanded Taste of Inishturk festival will run from the May Bank Holiday weekend through to the end of August, with organisers hoping a longer season will help distribute visitor demand more sustainably while supporting local businesses and the wider island community.
Planned experiences for 2026 include island-produced mead brewing demonstrations and tastings, guided honey tastings focused on native flora and island terroir, traditional beeswax candle-making workshops and family-friendly educational activities centred on biodiversity and environmental stewardship.
Organisers described World Bee Day as “a memorable and hopeful moment” for Inishturk and an important first step in supporting the future of Ireland’s native honey bee population.