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FAQ
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What is forest bathing?Forest bathing is a mindful practice in the forest. It’s about immersing yourself in nature by ‘bathing’ yourself in the forest atmosphere through all of your senses. You focus on what you can see, hear, smell, touch and taste. Read more about forest bathing.
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What’s the effect of forest bathing?After a forest bathing experience, you will feel more relaxed, happier and less stressed. It has many health benefits, it improves your concentration and it opens up your creativity.
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Why should I go forest bathing?Forest bathing is good for you. It makes you feel relaxed, happy and less stressed, it’s good for your health and most importantly: it’s fun!
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Is forest bathing good for you?Yes! Scientific studies show that forest bathing has many health benefits like reducing stress, lowering blood pressure, and boosting your immune system. It also improves your mood, increases concentration, and frees up your creativity. And it can accelerate recovery from illness.
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Is forest bathing the same as tree hugging?Not necessarily. We never ask people to hug trees during our forest bathing walks, but you can if you want to. Hugging trees is one of the ways to connect with nature, so feel free to do so if you feel like it.
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Do you need to be spiritual to go forest bathing?Not at all. Previous customers have praised our ‘down to earth’ practice of forest bathing. Though if you are a spiritual person, you are still very welcome to join our forest bathing experiences and incorporate your spirituality in your own way.
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Do you have to go into water to forest bathe?No. the ‘bathing’ in forest bathing means that you bathe yourself in the forest atmosphere. There is no need to get wet. Some invitations might invite you to touch water with your hands or feet but you are free to decline the invitation and relax in your own way.
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Why do you need a guide to go forest bathing?You don’t necessarily need a guide to go forest bathing. If you are a practiced forest bather you can go forest bathing by yourself. But it’s easier (and much more fun) to go with a guide. A forest bathing guide helps you to slow down, connect with nature, get out of your head and into your body. A guide gives you the freedom to let go of all control to experience total relaxation.
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Is forest bathing good for your mental health?Yes, forest bathing has a positive effect on your mental health, including a reduction in hostility and depression. Forest bathing also decreases fatigue, anxiety and confusion, and generally has a strong relaxing effect. Forest bathing can help you to improve your mental health but we still advise you to seek professional help if you have mental health problems.
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Will forest bathing cure sickness?Although scientific evidence shows that forest bathing has many health benefits, it is not a cure for serious illnesses. If you experience health problems, please consult a doctor.
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Do I need to be in good shape to go forest bathing?No, forest bathing is not a hike. It’s a very short walk, often no longer than 1 or 2 kilometres. We walk very slow, taking about 2 hours to complete the walk. So you don’t need to be really fit to participate. Almost anyone can do it.
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Is a forest bathing walk a hike?No, a forest bathing walk is short and slow, often no longer than 1 or 2 kilometres, lasting about 2 or 3 hours.
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Where do you offer forest bathing?We offer forest bathing walks at different woodland locations around county Wicklow. For example: Glendalough, Avondale Forest Park, Clara Vale Nature Reserve, Devils Glen, Ballygannon Wood and more. We also offer forest bathing at Tipi Adventures Ireland in Rathdrum.
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How much does forest bathing cost?Our two hour forest bathing walks cost €35,- per person.
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Are your forest bathing guides qualified?Yes, we only work with officially qualified, certified, and insured forest bathing guides.
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How long is a forest bathing walk?Our regular forest bathing walks will last about two hours. Longer walks or multiple day experiences can be booked on request. We can also offer forest bathing taster walks that will last for one hour.
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When are your forest bathing walks?Forest bathing walks for groups can take place whenever you want them to, subject to availability. For our open tours, see our walks and events page.
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How many people can you accommodate?Our forest bathing experiences need a minimum of four participants. Because we have access to a network of multiple qualified forest bathing guides, we can cater for large groups up to 100 people.
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What should I wear to go forest bathing?We are outdoors for a couple of hours so wear weather appropriate outdoor clothing. Bring an extra layer because you will cool down quite fast when you slow down and sit still. Bring a waterproof layer as well, even when the weather forecast says it’s not going to rain. This is Ireland after all, it’s always better to be prepared for rain. Wear good waterproof outdoor shoes.
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What should I bring on a forest bathing walk?You can bring a bottle of water if you wish. We have waterproof sit mats available but you are free to bring your own sit mat if you prefer.
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Are your forest bathing experiences wheelchair accessible?At the moment we don’t offer wheelchair accessible forest bathing experiences but we are working on developing one. Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when this is available to book.
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Will the walk be cancelled if it rains?No, rain is a part of nature and we find that rain even adds to the experience. The walk will only be cancelled if there is a weather warning.
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Are there toilets at the location?Most of the locations where we offer forest bathing have toilets but not all of them. A couple of days before the walk you will receive an email where we provide details about the meeting place and the facilities on site.
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Is there parking at the location?Yes. All of the locations where we offer forest bathing have parking.
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Can I take photos during the forest bathing walk?We advise you to decline from using your phone or camera during the forest bathing walk. This helps you to really connect with nature. But we don’t forbid to take photo’s if you really want to.
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Can I bring my kids forest bathing?Yes. If you think your kids are into forest bathing, bring them! Please note that you are responsible for your child at all times during the forest bathing walk and it might interfere with your own experience. Also, a big part of forest bathing is being quiet. Determine if your child is up to that challenge before booking.
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Can I bring my dog forest bathing?Unfortunately, no. Even though we are dog lovers ourselves, a forest bathing walk is not suitable for dogs.
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What is your cancellation policy?For group bookings: you can cancel up to 14 days before your forest bathing experience. After that date you won’t get a refund. It’s possible to change the date of your forest bathing walk up to 24 hours before your booking. For individuals: If you have booked a spot at an ‘open’ forest bathing walk you can’t cancel after you’ve booked.
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