Glencolmcille is buzzing ahead of new Honey Trail launch on World Bee Day

A fantastic project celebrating the importance of the honey bee and hive and of people and place is launching in Glencolcmille.

Headed by Donegal Bees, the Honey Trail Exhibition launches on World Bee Day, Tuesday, May 20.

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In an interview for our current edition of Donegal Life magazine, Áine Curran of Donegal Bees told us the remarkable story of how the idea for the honey trail came about, and why it is so important to the community. 

“Last year our local Church of Ireland was going to close down,” said Áine. “It is a beautiful building but they only had four people attending.”

Inspired by an age-old connection between beekeeping and churches, Áine came up with an idea that would support the congregation while creating a unique educational and tourism initiative.

“Working with Professor Alex Weir from America, I put forward a proposal to take over the church and do tours and nature walks,” she said. “If the community needed it for occasions such as the harvest celebrations, weddings, funerals, we would accommodate them. 

“Just after we took it over, one of the members sadly passed away and they were able to have the funeral there, which is nice as otherwise they would have had to travel.”

World Bee Day, Tuesday, May 20 is the launch date for the new tours.  The Honey Trail Exhibition runs from 12 noon to 3pm. It explores the history of beekeeping, local traditions in Glencolmcille, the different Irish bee species, and simple ways we can help protect biodiversity and support pollinators.

There will be an opportunity to:

- Explore the interactive Virtual Hive
- See how beeswax candles are made
- Enjoy an educational nature walk with Professor Alex Weir
- Learn about pollinator-friendly plants from horticulturist Adrienne Kelly
- Enjoy tea, treats and bee chats!

The local Naoínra will be planting pollinator-friendly flowers from 10am to 12pm noon. 

Events get underway at the Church of Ireland, Glencolmcille, F94 AC92. All are welcome – drop in and buzz around!

The full interview where Áine shares her love of bees and of her native Glencolmcille can be found in the April - May edition of Donegal Life magazine, available in newsagents around the county. 

More information on Donegal Bees, its products and courses can be viewed at donegalbees.ie

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