One of the largest conferences to be held in Ireland since the 1930s will open in Dublin on Sunday, when 4,000 beekeepers arrive for the Apimondia 2005 Congress at the RDS.
This is the most prestigious event for the world's beekeepers and those involved in the beekeeping industry. According to Fáilte Ireland the week-long event is likely to be worth up to €8 million to the economy, with delegates coming from 100 countries around the globe.
"Apimondia is the largest of 32 major international conferences taking place in Ireland this year. As delegates tend to spend as much as 70 per cent more than the average visitor, they are especially important for the tourism industry," says Paul Keeley, director of marketing at Fáilte Ireland.
The programme will explore areas such as apitherapy - the medicinal use of bee products - and beekeeping as a method of rural development. The first World Honey Show will showcase a range of honey types, candles, beeswax, mead and other bee-related products.
On Sunday, the public can attend the International Apimondia Village, where there will be a giant outdoor hive with bees and beekeepers in action.
At the craft demonstration area, visitors can pick up tips on using honey for cooking and can see candles being moulded from beeswax.
There will be an exhibition tracing the history of beekeeping and information will be available on the medicinal value of bee products.
An Post has designed a special edition 65 cent stamp to commemorate the occasion.
Tickets for the International Apimondia Village, which opens at 1pm on Sunday, cost: adults €10; children and students €5; over 60s €5; family ticket €20 (two adults and two children).