Beneath the Canopy
Orlagh and Cat are both certified forest bathing guides. We met when Orlagh and her mom joined Cat on one of her forest bathing walks. We started chatting and realised that they had similar ideas about nature connection. After this first meeting we went for coffee every once in a while to share business stories, ask for advice, and support each other.
Our first collaboration project was the autumn e-booklet. While working on that we realised we had a lot to say about forest bathing and nature connection and decided to start the Beneath the Canopy Podcast. From there we collaborated more and more with events for the general public as well as network events for small business owners like ourselves.
And we have many more ideas for the future. So we decided to take the leap and make Beneath the Canopy an official business.
Orlagh's Story
I‘m a certified forest bathing guide with a lifelong love for nature and the outdoors. My journey began in childhood, when hours spent exploring green spaces sparked a deep curiosity about the natural world. After studying Zoology at University College Dublin, I began my professional life in the education department at Dublin Zoo, where I loved sharing the wonders of wildlife with visitors of all ages. I then began teaching in a Dublin secondary school. While I loved the connection I had with my students, I missed the open air.
That’s when I discovered forest bathing- a practice that blends mindful presence, sensory awareness and the restorative power of the natural world and my love of the Celtic Wheel has become the core of my business and practice. In my spare time, you might find me exploring woodlands, at a gig, or spending time with my kids.
Cat's Story
My name is Cathelijne, but you can call me Cat. I’m a certified tour guide and forest bathing guide, based in Wicklow. I’m originally from the Netherlands and have a background in marketing and PR. When I moved to Ireland in 2015, I turned my dream of working in the great outdoors into a reality. On my walks I blend my passion for storytelling with nature connection. I love serving a wild tea made with forages or home-grown ingredients.
In my spare time you can often find me in my garden where I grow my own vegetables, or out on a road trip with my rooftop tent. My favourite season is autumn and my favourite thing in nature is sitting next to, or dipping into, the water.