Busy Bees in Ireland

A close view of bees entering and exiting a Warré-style hive. The hive is made from locally sourced spruce. It's rough sawn timber.

The hive is located near Daingean, County Offaly, Ireland. It is Summer 2025. The 30th of June. The bees are making hay while the sun shines.

Warré hives were designed by Émile Warré, a French priest and beekeeper. He published several books about beekeeping, too.

Warre hive boxes are smaller than most commercial equivalents. Bees tend to prefer this as it mimics the inside of a hollow tree.

The Warre beekeeper is concerned about the welfare of the bees first, so not managing the hive for maximum production. Warré hives only need to be opened once or twice per year. This is less disturbing to the bees and creates a stress free environment.

The Warré hive is also known as the People’s Hive. The book, Beekeeping for All, by Emile Warré, explains this concept further.
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