A remote island off Ireland's west coast will become the country's first dedicated sanctuary for native honey bees. The project, approved by the local community group, aims to protect the threatened Apis mellifera mellifera from the varroa mite. It is set to begin in April 2026.
Inishturk Island, located 15 kilometers offshore in County Mayo, Ireland, has been approved by the Inishturk Community Development Company to host the nation's first sanctuary for the native honey bee, Apis mellifera mellifera. Led by Dr. Sean O’Connor of Wild Atlantic Honey & Mead, the initiative seeks to create a biosecure, varroa-free population in the island's isolated Atlantic environment. The project was announced on March 23, 2026, and is scheduled to start in April 2026 with two pilot hives, potentially expanding if successful. It will also propose designating the island as a protected bee sanctuary to prevent non-native bee introductions. Advanced BroodMinder sensors will monitor hive temperature, humidity, weight, and activity in real time, with data shared publicly online at www.nativeirishbeesanctuary.com. The effort addresses declining native bee populations across Ireland and Europe, driven by the parasitic mite Varroa destructor, which threatens biodiversity and food systems. Dr. Sean O’Connor stated: “This project is an important step toward protecting Ireland’s native honey bee in what we hope will remain a biosecure, pollinator-positive island environment.” Aidan O’Toole, chair of the Inishturk Community Development Company, added: “We are proud to support this initiative, which strengthens biodiversity on the island while showcasing the ecological importance of remote communities.” The sanctuary is expected to serve as a model for other offshore sites.