The Keeper of the Bees: Bees and Beekeeping in Irish Folklore

by Eimear Chaomhánach, Jane Carkill (illustrator)

Did you know that bees have been around for over 100 million years? Or that the Brehon Laws included judgments about the rightful ownership of swarms? Or why Irish beekeepers plant bluebells around their hives? 

Bees are amazing from the perfection of their hexagonal honeycomb to their ordered matriarchal society, these tiny insects have been much admired since Ancient Egyptian times to the modern day. 

A beekeeper's daughter and a student of folklore, Eimear Chaomhánach weaves folktales about bees with memories of growing up in a beekeeping household, collecting swarms with her father and learning how to harvest honey.

From folktales about Aristotle and Irish saints  to customs such as 'telling the bees', this is a fascinating look at the beliefs and traditions about bees and beekeeping. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Ireland, Mythology, Biology, Folklore

Hardcover

First published October 21, 2024

Reviews

[Pip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting read and beautiful illustrations.

[Danya Ateya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy to read and follow along to! I read the entire book in a day (and I'm very proud of myself). If this helps anyone, I have ADHD so books are usually a hit or miss for me for when I can finish them!

The author's writing is captivating and enjoyable. I've learned so much about bees and expanded my knowledge of Irish folklore. I'd love to read more of her books going forward.

Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Go read it! 🐝

[Natalia Hartford · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read on the myths and folklore around bees and beekeeping in Ireland. I have done some beekeeping myself but had never heard of anything like the ringing of a swarm. So, I learned some interesting things.

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

And another fab title learned about on the “Arena” show on RTE1. I knew a little about honey bees, but this read sure expanded that. And the Irish (and world) folklore about bees was fascinating. I didn’t realize how long bees have been with us. Fun and educational read!

[Liam Wurtz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very cutely designed and a good assemblage of information and anecdotes but it doesn't go deep enough to get beyond being just a coffee table kinda book really, which is a shame because Chaomhánach clearly has a knowledge that reaches leaps and bounds beyond that. Still enjoyed it.

[Daniel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written but very surface level with some repetition. It was an enjoyable read.