Forest Bathing
The Art of Shinrin-yoku
Forest bathing, or shinrin-yoku, originated in Japan in the 1980s. It is the mindful practice of slowing down and immersing yourself in the forest, absorbing all it has to offer through the senses - sight, sound, touch, smell, and even taste.
The Japanese quickly embraced this form of ecotherapy, recognising its powerful benefits and understanding that time spent in nature is deeply nourishing for the human spirit. While the term itself is modern, the concept is ancient; cultures across the world have long understood the restorative power of nature. Today, this wisdom is being rediscovered globally, as more people seek refuge from busy lives and rediscover the simple act of breathing deeply beneath a forest canopy.
Scientific research now supports what many have intuitively known for centuries. Studies of shinrin-yoku show that time spent walking in forests can lower blood pressure, reduce cortisol levels, and improve concentration and memory. Trees and plants also release natural compounds called phytoncides, which have been shown to strengthen the immune system. As evidence of these health benefits grew, the Japanese government formally incorporated forest bathing into the national health programme.
Dr Qing Li, author of Shinrin-Yoku: The Art and Science of Forest Bathing, is a world-leading expert in the field and has conducted numerous scientific studies on the practice.
He also lives by its principles daily - often bringing his lunch to the local park near his workplace at Nippon Medical School to “bathe” in nature himself.
In his book, Dr Li offers this simple and powerful guidance for practising shinrin-yoku:
“Make sure you have left your phone and camera behind. You are going to be walking aimlessly and slowly. You don’t need any devices. Let your body be your guide. Listen to where it wants to take you. Follow your nose. And take your time. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get anywhere. You are not going anywhere. You are savouring the sounds, smells and sights of nature and letting the forest in.”
Forest bathing, though it arrived later than in Japan, is now growing in Ireland.
It is the simple, mindful act of spending unhurried time in the presence of trees - resting beneath the shelter of their leafy canopy, feeling their bark beneath your hands, watching the gentle play of light and colour against the ever-changing sky.
It is breathing in pine-scented air, lying back to gaze through layered branches and fluttering leaves, and allowing thoughts, worries, and time itself to drift softly by…
What’s not to love?
Forest Bathing Guides
We have connected with several forest bathing guides, and each one brings their own unique rhythm, wisdom, and interpretation to this deeply restorative practice.
If you are a forest bathing guide and would like to have your details added to our website, we would love to hear from you.
Please get in touch with us at trees@treecouncil.ie.
Please Note: Guides featured on our website are listed for information purposes only and are not endorsed or recommended by us.
CIARA HINKSMAN
Nature Connection with Ciara
Ciara Hinksman owns and runs Forest School Ireland – formerly Earth Force Education, founded in 2009. Her passion is facilitating place-based, learner-centred development through Forest Bathing, story, wildlife, plants, crafts and play whilst also following the natural cycles of our seasons and lives. She trains people to become qualified Forest School Leaders and is the founding chair of the Irish Forest School Association.
Ciara is overjoyed to be part of the growing movement of Forest Bathing and Forest School, and its community of practitioners in Ireland and around the world. Together, we are working to empower people of all ages to develop and grow in community and in relationship with the Earth.
086 319 9515
DUBLIN
AURORA PROCOPIO
Wellbeing & Tours in Ireland
Aurora is a mindfulness teacher and a forest bathing guide based in Dublin city. Through her personal healing journey, she has found a way to reconnect with nature in a new joyful and mindful way.
She has discovered the numerous health and wellbeing benefits nature can have on individuals, so she is now helping other people to connect with nature and experience its healing benefits.
Currently, Aurora hosts private forest bathing walks in Phoenix Park as well as nature workshops in the beautiful, wild garden of the Sanctuary. Her deepest wish is to support others in their journeys of personal growth by sharing her knowledge and experience.
Aurora’s main focus is providing resources and practical techniques that can improve people’s mental and emotional wellbeing.
087 943 2480
DUBLIN & WICKLOW
ROSALINDE SCHUT
Walk of Leaf
My name is Rosalinde. I offer life coaching in nature and forest bathing walks in counties Dublin and Wicklow. I love seeing people more connected with themselves, with each other and with nature.
For many years, I have supported people affected by change and loss. I would be delighted to spend time intentionally with you outdoors.
Come and join me!
089 257 8210
KERRY
ROSER BOSCH
Nutrition & Health Coach and Forest Bathing Guide
Roser (Rosie) takes a holistic approach to supporting people’s health and wellbeing through nutrition, lifestyle habits and nature connection. She offers Forest Bathing experiences tailored to a wide range of audiences in various locations in County Kerry. She can offer sessions for people dealing with anxiety and stress, or simply to offer tourists and private groups a chance to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Whether you are a private group of tourists, a local hotel, or a nonprofit organisation supporting people dealing with mental health issues, Roser can provide customised Forest Bathing sessions that suit your needs. These experiences help participants tap into the restorative power of nature, supporting both mental and physical well-being.
086 6684328
WICKLOW
RACHEL DEMPSEY
Full Circle Change
Rachel Dempsey has been facilitating in the areas of wellness, creativity, change-making and holistic sustainability for over 20 years. Her mission is to connect inner transformation with positive change in the world around us.
Rachel offers forest bathing and forest song baths (singing in the forest) in Newtownmountkennedy in Wicklow and a range of other courses and retreats in singing, sustainability and global citizenship.
086 309 7232
WICKLOW
AISLING PLUNKETT
Arc Healing
Based in Arklow, for more than two decades now I have been working with a variety of holistic therapies and teaching Yoga, Wellbeing & Meditation. My passion is to help people open up to the amazing healing energy available all around us. Join me for some Japanese Forest Bathing infused with our Ancient Celtic Wisdom.
My signature sessions coincide with the 8 festivals of the Celtic Wheel. We share knowledge of our Celtic folklore, folk medicine, Poetry and of course the importance of our native Irish trees including the ancient wisdom of the ogham trees. At the end of every session a special “Seomra Sí” memento of our time together in the forest is given to all of our guests.
087 912 6366
WICKLOW
CATHELIJNE DE WIT
Avonmore Forest Bathing
Originally from the Netherlands, Cathelijne moved to Ireland because she fell in love with the natural landscape of the emerald isle. As a forest bathing guide she shares her love for nature and Ireland with others.
She offers guided forest bathing experiences in collaboration with Tipi Adventures on the bank of the Avonmore river, just outside Rathdrum. The perfect location to connect with nature, slow down and re-energise.
083 458 1186
WICKLOW
