The honey produced by the Áras Native Black Bees (Apis Mellifera mellifera), won first place in the ‘Novice Three Jar’ competition at the Clonmel Honey Show on the 23rd September 2012. All first place winners in the various categories were then entered in the ‘Clonmel Honey Show Superior Award’, with the Áras Honey achieving an overall 3rd place.
The judging is based on the flavour, clarity and viscosity of the honey with the judges have no knowledge of where the honey originated. The Judges noted the strong ‘lime’ flavour of the honey and the Áras Honey is now considered one of the best quality honeys in the country and is used at State functions. The Walled Garden honey won second place in the ‘Novice Three Jar’ category. The Áras honey also won the Ken Allen Memorial Trophy in the ‘Gift Honey’ category at the Royal County Beekeepers’ Association competition.
The Minister said, “I am delighted to accept these awards on behalf of the OPW staff who are responsible for the Apiaries here in the Park and who have done much to raise awareness of the joys and benefits of beekeeping. That these awards were won in their first year is testament to the skill and dedication of all involved. I would urge anyone interested in beekeeping to come to the Walled Gardens and observe at first-hand how enjoyable this pastime could be.”
Source: OPW – Irish Beekeepers’ Association Awards for Phoenix Park and Áras Walled Gardens Honey
