Restival 2025 in Waterford to feature Qigong, Wim Hof, forest bathing and Karl Henry

Irish Independent

24-04-2025

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 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 headline talk, offering reflections on living with intention and purpose.
John Lonergan and Caroline Crotty will present a 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 gardens, inviting guests to experience nature's therapeutic power in full bloom.
Hellen Kang-Griffith will lead a Qigong demonstration, where participants will be guided through mindful movements, breathwork, and energy flow practices rooted in ancient Chinese tradition.
Whether you're new to Qigong or simply curious, this demonstration offers a moment to reconnect with your body, calm the mind, and awaken your inner vitality, all in the serene surroundings of nature.
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. Expert guides will lead soothing Shinrin-yoku experiences through meditative ecotherapy excursions in the gardens.
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 Rowe 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.'
Wim Hof, known as The Iceman, is a Dutch motivational speaker and extreme athlete celebrated for his ability to withstand low temperatures. He previously held a Guinness World Record for swimming under ice, prolonged full-body contact with ice, and holds a record for a barefoot half-marathon on ice and snow. Marta Vera, who will speak at Restival, is a certified Wim Hof Method instructor, fitness coach, and breathwork expert.
Tickets for Restival 2025 are available online at mountcongreve.com, priced at €39 per day or €65 for a weekend pass. Spaces are limited to preserve the peaceful atmosphere and ensure every guest enjoys an intimate and enriching experience.
For those wishing to extend their stay and fully immerse themselves in the Restival experience, onsite accommodation is available at the Estate Gate Lodge, the Court Yard Suite, the forest cabins with private hot tubs, and the off-grid bell tents, all located within Mount Congreve Gardens.
Accommodation packages are available for the May bank holiday weekend, from Friday May 2 –5, starting from €445 for two people sharing for a two-night stay.
Guests staying for the weekend will also receive a gift from Feebee the Forager. For group rates, contact [e-mail].