Tipp beekeepers’ mission in spotlight at major fair

Fourth-generation Tipperary beekeepers, who are part of a drive to save Ireland’s native honey bees from extinction, will be showcased at the biggest-ever Cork City Hall Crafts and Design Fair from Friday-Sunday, November 23-25 next.

With 85 exhibitors, the traditional opening of the festive season in Cork offers a chance to pick up original and unique Christmas gifts.

Aoife Mac Giolla Cuda of Galtee Honey Farm is committed to promoting the conservation of the native ‘black’ honey bee of Ireland, and specialises in breeding and rearing Queen bees for Irish apiaries. They will exhibit special Christmas honey gift sets at the biggest-ever Cork City Hall Crafts and Design Fair from November 23-25.

Aoife Mac Giolla Cuda and her dad Micheál, of Galtee Honey Farm, are committed to promoting the conservation of the native ‘black’ honey bee of Ireland, and specialise in breeding and rearing Queen bees for Irish apiaries.

Among the honey products they produce is Ivy and Heather Honey, which has been hailed as the new Manuka, though this year’s arid spell resulted in a scarcity of heather.

“We have 170 hives with about 10 on each of 16 sites over a 20-mile radius in the Galtee Vee Valley,” said Aoife who will be exhibiting special Christmas honey gift sets at the Fair.

“This ensure the bees collect honey from a wide variety of flora, including sycamore and horse chestnut blossom, dandelion, oilseed rape, hawthorn, clover and heather.

“This gives our honey its complexity of flavour,” she said.

“The area is one of the most important Irish breeding zones for the black bee and is a genetic reserve.”

She warned that as well as pesticides and bio-diversity, the bees biggest threat is the tiny Varroa mite, which lives off the honey bee.

“There are a growing number of beekeepers across the country who are committed to conserving the native black bee, which is almost extinct in most of Europe.

“We have unique populations, which can’t be found anywhere else in Europe and there now is more awareness of the importance of honeybees than there was 10 years ago.”

The gift sets at Cork will contain two varieties of honey, honeycomb and a beeswax candle.

Over €150,000 per-day will be spent at the biggest contemporary crafts fair outside Dublin, and fairgoers in search of an original Christmas idea can be guaranteed a haven of quality wares, both for gifts and the home, this festive season.

There will be a huge emphasis on local makers such as Shanagarry botanical artist Belinda Northcote and Bantry wildlife artist Annabel Langrish.

The Fair will also feature The Spectacular Christmas Food Emporium, with over 25 local artisan food producers, taste-tempting visitors with the best of the season’s fare.

This year the show features an amazing attraction for children – a Superhero Transformation Station.

Children can design their own superhero masks, thanks to the children’s arts and health charity, Helium Arts, and then feature in a special graduation in the superhero selfie booth.

“The City Hall Crafts and Design Fair gives people the ideal chance to secure original and unique Christmas presents in a wonderful setting,” said Festival organiser Patrick O’Sullivan.

“Shoppers will find a wide range of crafts, artisan-made goods, food and drink, stunning handmade jewellery and accessories.

“This year we have a lot of new content with many first-time exhibitors showcasing the best of new craft and food products from around the country.”

The 27th City Hall Crafts and Design Fair takes place at City Hall, Cork from November 23-25. Full details and booking options can be found at www.cityhallcraftsfair.ie.