Festival-goers are invited to bathe in the forest at the two-day ‘Restival’ wellness festival this May bank holiday weekend at Mount Congreve Gardens in Co. Waterford.
The event will offer two days of escapism with guided yoga classes led by Catherine O’Donoghue, a sound healing session with Tidal Soul Wellness, pilates classes with Helen O’Donovan, Qigong with Hellen Kang-Griffith, and a workout with Karl Henry. There will also be guided Shinrin-yoku forest bathing walks and health and wellness talks, including a Wim Hof Method talk with expert Marta Vera.
Throughout the weekend, guests can look forward to a variety of enriching experiences. Award-winning life coach and NLP practitioner Tara Rafter will share transformative strategies for personal growth. Louise Ryan from Sunfleck will explore the calming power of nature and its role in managing daily stress. Writer, social entrepreneur, and thought leader Sonya Lennon will deliver a special headline talk, offering reflections on living with intention and purpose.
John Lonergan and Caroline Crotty will inspire audiences with an engaging session on cultivating a positive mental health attitude, while renowned herbalist and founder of Forager, Feebee Foran, will share her expertise in natural skincare and the healing properties of plants.
In the areas of upward-trending wellness, Wim Hof Method expert Marta Vera will introduce the benefits of cold-water therapy. TEDx speaker Dr Mark Rowe will guide immersive forest bathing walks through the vibrant gardens, inviting guests to experience nature’s therapeutic power in full bloom. Hellen Kang-Griffith will lead a calming and revitalising Qigong demonstration, where participants will be guided through mindful movements, breathwork, and energy flow practices rooted in ancient Chinese tradition.
Expert in health and well-being, Dr Mark Rowe embraces forest bathing, a practice developed in Japan during the 1980s that has become a cornerstone of preventive healthcare and healing in Japanese medicine. It is proven to lower heart rate and blood pressure, reduce stress hormones, boost the immune system, and improve overall feelings of well-being.
Guests are invited to partake in a 1.5-hour shinrin-yoku guided walk exploring the peaceful areas of the gardens and can seek out restful spots to sit under the canopy of ancient trees. Dr. Mark Rowe, Mount Congreve Gardens’ forest bathing guide, said: “Spending time in nature can be simply so restorative and relaxing, a tremendous way to destress after a busy day at work. The majestic Mount Congreve Gardens are a forest bathing paradise, surrounded by trees and set on 70 acres on the banks of Waterford’s River Suir.”
Restival welcomes individuals, couples, and groups of friends looking for a weekend escape focused on wellness, nature, and self-care. Whether you are deeply immersed in the world of well-being or simply seeking a moment of calm, this event offers the perfect opportunity to reset and recharge in a truly magical setting.
Tickets for Restival 2025 are available online at www.mountcongreve.com, priced at €39.00 per day or €65.00 for a weekend pass. Spaces are intentionally limited to preserve the peaceful atmosphere and ensure every guest enjoys an intimate and enriching experience.
