Less Scrolling, More Exploring...

As the days get shorter and the nights draw in, many of us find ourselves spending even more time looking at our screens. Our Autumn Unplugged video series is an invitation to do the opposite: step away from the scrolling for a while and reconnect with the people, places and experiences waiting to be discovered across Northern Ireland.

Join host Ralph McLean as he meets the passionate people behind some of our most memorable autumn experiences. From birdwatching in Belfast Harbour and pottery workshops in Co. Fermanagh to outdoor adventures in the Mournes, creative escapes in Co. Tyrone and four-legged therapy in Co. Down, these stories are packed with inspiration for anyone looking to try something different this season.

Whether you're planning a day out, a short break or simply looking for a good excuse to switch off for a while, Autumn Unplugged proves that some things simply can't be experienced through a screen.

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Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes, Co. Down

Just 25 minutes from Belfast, Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes has been created as a place to switch off and reconnect. Ralph meets Philip Black and joins a breathwork session with meditation and mindfulness expert Carol Devine, discovering woodland walks, luxury lodges and peaceful spaces designed to bring body, mind and soul back into balance. Surrounded by trees and open skies, it's the perfect opportunity to slow down, be present and spend some quality one-on-one time with yourself in nature.


 

Things to do nearby... Stay, Eat & Explore

Ballyburren Lodges

  • 143 Dromore Road

Set within peaceful woodland surroundings in Ballynahinch, County Down, Ballyburren offers a collection of five-star, luxury A-frame lodges…

Ballyburren Lodges

The Primrose Restaurant

  • 30 Main Street

In the central County Down town of Ballynahinch, The Primrose invites travellers to indulge in a culinary journey brimming with local charm. This…

The Primrose Restaurant

Montalto Estate

  • Spa Road

Nestled in the breathtaking County Down countryside, Montalto Estate is an enchanting 18th-century Georgian estate offering a five-star visitor…

Montalto Estate

Corranny Forest Pottery, Co. Fermanagh

Surrounded by the tranquil landscapes of County Fermanagh, Corranny Forest Pottery offers the chance to slow down and get hands-on with clay. Join Ralph and potter Lisa McCabe as they explore a craft that rewards patience, creativity and being fully present in the moment. As Ralph discovers, there's something uniquely satisfying about the tactile nature of pottery, where every shape, texture and movement demands your full attention. From throwing on the wheel to the dramatic spectacle of a Raku firing, you'll leave with new skills, lasting memories and a handmade piece to take home.


 

Things to do nearby... Stay, Eat & Explore

28 At The Hollow

  • 6 Church Street

At 28 you will enjoy delicious food that is perfectly prepared using only the best locally sourced ingredients. We want to bring the best out of the…

28 At The Hollow

Crom Estate

  • Upper Lough Erne

Set on the shores of Upper Lough Erne in County Fermanagh, Crom is one of Ireland's most important nature conservation areas. Wild deer, pine…

Crom Estate

Kinedale Donkeys, Co. Down

In the rolling drumlins of County Down, Ralph meets Robert Wallace for a dose of four-legged therapy at Kinedale Donkeys. Spending time with animals has been shown to boost feel-good hormones, and you'll find it nearly impossible to think about emails or notification pings when you're sharing your day with friendly donkeys and mischievous pygmy goats. From outdoor walks to the wonderfully chaotic experience of goat meditation, this is a chance to slow down, be present and enjoy the simple things.


 

Things to do nearby... Stay, Eat & Explore

The Plough Inn

  • 3 The Square

The Plough Inn is set in the picturesque village of Royal Hillsborough and is straight off the main Belfast to Dublin road; so why not pull in and…

The Plough Inn

Hinch Distillery Tours

  • 19 Carryduff Road

A tour at Hinch Distillery is not just an exploration of history, production and their bold range of triple distilled whiskeys; it’s an…

Hinch Distillery Tours

RSPB Window on Wildlife (WOW), Belfast

Just a stone's throw from Belfast city centre, the RSPB'S Window on Wildlife (WOW) is an oasis of calm nestled within Belfast Harbour Estate. Join Ralph and renowned birdwatching expert Dot Blakely as they explore this urban nature reserve, where changing tides bring over 100 species including curlew, redshanks, lapwings and oystercatchers right to the water's edge. It's the kind of place that rewards slowing down; the more you look, the more you notice, and you'll be guaranteed to leave saying - WOW!


 

Things to do nearby... Stay, Eat & Explore

Titanic Hotel Belfast

  • Queens Road

Located at the heart of Belfast's Titanic Quarter, the legendary Harland & Wolff Headquarters and Drawing Offices is the world's most…

Titanic Hotel Belfast

Noble

  • 27 Church Road

Nestled in the heart of Holywood is Noble, a charming little restaurant where the service is warm and inviting, and the atmosphere is lively and…

Noble

Painting Breaks with Dermot Cavanagh, Co. Tyrone

Join Ralph and Painting Breaks with Dermot Cavanagh in the heart of County Tyrone and discover the difference between simply looking and really seeing. Dermot believes that painting is 90% observation, making this as much about noticing the world around you as putting brush to canvas. With ever-changing colours, landscapes and skies providing endless inspiration, even complete beginners can enjoy the challenge, relaxation and sense of achievement that comes from creating something of their own.


 

Things to do nearby... Stay, Eat & Explore

Spice Cottages - Ginger

  • 142 Moy Road

Clove Cottage and Cinnamon Cottage are 2 beautifully furnished and equipped residences which have been recently converted from a former 150 year old…

Spice Cottages - Ginger

Deli on the Green

  • 19 Beechvalley

We at Deli on the Green takes particular pride and pleasure in serving its clientele the freshest foods, sourced from a selection of local artisan…

Deli on the Green

Wee Buns Cookery School

  • 65 Drumgrannon Road

Wee Buns is situated just 45 minutes from Belfast, and five minutes from Junction 15 on the M1, but driving up the quiet country lane to our home and…

Wee Buns Cookery School

Mourne Shack, Co. Down

Cut out the noise and reconnect with nature alongside Chris McBlain from outdoor adventure specialists Mourne Shack. Ralph joins Chris in Tollymore Forest Park where he discovers the simple pleasures of the season: the crunch of leaves underfoot, the changing colours of the landscape and the refreshing thrill of cold water on your skin. Whether you're trying something completely new or simply looking for a chance to switch off for a while, this is an invitation to dip your toes in nature - literally!


 

Things to do nearby... Stay, Eat & Explore

Tollymore Forest Park

  • Bryansford Road

Tollymore Forest Park has panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the sea at Newcastle. It's open to the public all year.  Covering…

Tollymore Forest Park

Discover More Reasons to Explore

Inspired by what you've seen? Discover more autumn adventures across Northern Ireland, from great food and drink and unforgettable days out to cosy stays, autumn events and hidden gems just waiting to be explored.