Frequently Asked Questions
Visit us
Experiences
How do I book an experience?
You can book directly through our website. Once confirmed, you’ll receive an email with directions, parking details, and what to expect on the day.
What should I bring?
Please wear comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for walking on grass or farm paths. A rain jacket is always a good idea — this is Ireland! Bee suits and boots are provided for hive visits.
Who will be hosting the experience?
All tours and tastings are hosted by Aoife Nic Giolla Coda, beekeeper, and advocate for the Native Irish Honey Bee. She will have a little bit of help from her father Micheál, founder of Galtee Honey Farm Aoife shares stories from the family-run Honey Farm, along with her love of nature, craft, and conservation.
Can I bring children?
Yes — children over 8 are welcome when accompanied by an adult.
How long does it last?
Most experiences last about 1 and 2 hours (depending on the experience) Please look at our booking page for more information.
Do I need to be comfortable around bees?
Not at all! Many visitors are meeting bees up close for the first time. Our native Irish honey bees are calm, and you’ll always be guided by Aoife and protected by a bee suit.
Do you offer private tours or group bookings?
Yes — we welcome private groups, bespoke experiences, and collaborations with local venues. Simply get in touch to discuss what you have in mind.
Honey Bees
What makes the Native Irish Honey Bee special?
The Native Irish Honey Bee (Apis mellifera mellifera) is the only honey bee native to Ireland. It’s hardy, gentle, and perfectly adapted to our cool, damp climate.
Are honey bees endangered?
Globally, honey bees are managed by beekeepers, but our native Irish strain is under threat from hybridisation and habitat loss. Conservation is at the heart of what we do.
How many bees live in a hive?
A summer colony can have up to 60,000 bees — one queen, a few hundred drones, and thousands of hardworking female bees.
What do bees do in winter?
They form a warm cluster inside the hive, feeding on stored honey until spring returns.
How is honey made?
Bees collect nectar from flowers, store it in honeycomb cells, and fan it with their wings to reduce moisture — transforming nectar into golden honey. Each honey reflects the flowers and landscape of its origin.
Pollinators
What’s the difference between honey bees and wild pollinators?
Honey bees live in colonies and make honey, while wild pollinators — like bumblebees, solitary bees, butterflies, and hoverflies — live independently. All are vital for healthy ecosystems and food crops.
How can I help pollinators at home?
Look up the All Ireland Pollinator Plan at pollinators.ie for comprehensive information on how to help pollinators.
Why are pollinators so important?
Over 75% of our food crops depend on them. Without pollinators, we’d lose much of the fruit, vegetables, and wildflowers that define our landscapes and diets.
What plants are best for Irish pollinators?
Native and nectar-rich species such as foxglove, clover, lavender, hawthorn, and ivy. The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is an excellent resource if you’d like to do more.
Food in Tipperary
Is the honey local?
Yes — everything comes directly from our own Galtee Honey Farm, nestled at the foot of the Galtee Mountains in County Tipperary.
Do you work with other local food producers?
We’re proud members of the Tipperary Food Producers Network, collaborating with local makers who share our values of sustainability, heritage, and quality.
Where can I buy your products?
Our honey, mead, candles, and lip balms are available in select shops in Tipperary, Limerick and Cork. aswell as on our online shop. Please check out or stockists page for a full list.
What makes Tipperary food so special?
It’s all about place — rich soils, clean air, and a community of passionate growers, farmers, and artisans. Tipperary’s food culture is rooted in authenticity and care for the land.
Can I taste the honey or mead when I visit?
Yes! Every experience includes a guided tasting — a chance to discover the flavour of the landscape through our seasonal honeys and handcrafted meads.