Welcome to

Braidwater Apiaries

Based in Ballymena, we raise native dark bees which produce pure, natural, Co. Antrim honey. Natures' best, straight from our hives to your home.

Our Story

In 2015, a vet and an engineer decided that they needed a new interest. Both having had a long-standing curiosity about beekeeping, they arranged to visit a local association to see what it was all about. Addiction soon followed, as the tiny, fascinating creatures constantly surprised and intrigued. With a huge range of activities from hive inspections, queen rearing, equipment maintenance, wax processing, honey production (and much, much more), there hasn't been a dull moment since!

Now, several years later, Braidwater Apiaries encompases a number of sites across Co. Antrim, and continues to grow each year. Focusing mainly on raising and promoting Apis mellifera mellifera (the only native strain of honey bee in the UK or Ireland), we produce queens, nucs (starter colonies) and honey. We also remove swarms, and can provide beeswax and other hive products.

Get in Touch

If you're looking for bees or honey, or you just find the thought of facing down a box of 70,000 stinging insects interesting, feel free to drop us a line.