Randalstown & District Beekeepers Association
RANDBKA.org
Located on the shores of
Lough Neagh
Randalstown and District Beekeepers Association
Randbka is a small association of beekeepers and non -
beekeepers.
As of 2024/25 there are currently around 107 members, who attend regular talks,
demonstrations and social events either at the Apiary or in the
Arches Community Centre, Randalstown.
The calendar of events is
arranged by the Committee, which meets every two or three
months.
The apiary is set in a very picturesque location in the private
estate of Lord O'Neill, near Shane's Castle.
The apiary is situated on the Boathouse Meadow on the east bank
of the River Maine beside the last bridge over the river before
it enters Lough Neagh. The meadow
is a wildflower preserve.
The apiary is a fenced and gravelled "bee yard" where hives of
bees are on raised stands. The hives are overlooked by a bee
observation house, with a large window, through which observers
can watch beekeepers working with bees a few feet away and in
safety.
During the beekeeping season, which is roughly March - September,
the apiary is open to members and visitors most Sunday afternoons
from 2.30pm onwards.
Here, beginners and experienced beekeepers
work alongside each other examining the hives and carrying out
the relevant beekeeping tasks.
Here is a brief potted history of our association compiled by one of our members:
Potted history in DOC format
RANDBKA is affilated to Ulster Beekeepers
Association.
| 4.3.2008 |