The National Botanic Gardens invite visitors to reconnect with nature this January

The Office of Public Works (OPW) has announced the return of the much-loved ‘Biophilia Tour’ to the National Botanic Gardens, Dublin, this January.

Biophilia, the natural connection humans have with the environment and nature, is increasingly important in our modern, urbanised world. It is believed that humans have evolved a natural bond with nature, one that our increasingly urbanised life threatens to disrupt. The ‘Biophilia Tour’ invites visitors to immerse themselves in the Gardens’ beautiful surroundings and discover how spending time in nature can enhance health and wellbeing.

The walking tours are led by our expert guides and offer visitors the opportunity to reconnect with the natural world. During the tours, visitors are introduced a variety of theories and studies that explain the benefits of human interactions with nature and are encouraged to explore this through the human senses of sight, touch, smell and sound.

A description of the tour reads:

"Explore the biophilic effect that plants have on humans, both physically and psychologically!

"It is believed that humans have evolved to have an instinctive bond with nature, one which our increasingly urbanised life threatens to disrupt.

"Engage your senses in the Gardens’ beautiful surroundings, and learn about how and why spending time around nature and natural processes can help us stay healthy in our daily lives."

Tours take place every Wednesday and Saturday throughout January.

Biophilia Tour Details

Dates/ Times:

- Every Wednesday (7, 14, 21, 28 January) from 14.00-15.00

- Every Saturday (10,17, 24, 31 January) from 11.00-12.00

Location:

- National Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre (meeting point: outside the Café)

Tickets:

- €5 per person (children under 12 go free). Tickets are available via Eventbrite.

For more information, please visit www.botanicgardens.ie.