Six Northern Ireland ideas for a screen-free autumn

Six outdoor and creative experiences across Northern Ireland are being highlighted by Tourism Northern Ireland in an autumn campaign encouraging people to step away from their phones.

The Autumn Unplugged initiative includes a series of short videos presented by Ralph McLean. They showcase activities at six locations, from wildlife watching in Belfast to pottery in Fermanagh and outdoor stays in County Down.

The featured experiences are Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes, Mourne Shack, Kinedale Donkeys, Corranny Forest Pottery, Belfast’s Window on Wildlife and painting sessions with artist Dermot Cavanagh in Tyrone.

Ballyburren Outdoor Escapes covers 18 acres of woodland, wetlands and farmland in County Down. Established by Damien and Claire Butler, it offers accommodation, walks alongside alpacas and breathwork sessions. Carol Devine leads the breathwork and also teaches meditation and mindfulness for children.

Mourne Shack runs outdoor experiences in the Mourne Mountains, including expedition and day hikes, wild river dipping and forest bathing. Founder Chris MacBlain said the activities are designed to encourage people to try something new and reconnect with nature.

Kinedale Donkeys is based on Robert Wallace’s family farm in County Down. Its activities include donkey treks and goat meditation, alongside heritage and wellness experiences.

At Corranny Forest Pottery in Fermanagh, visitors can try clay crafting and learn about Raku firing, a traditional pottery technique. The sessions are guided by potter Lisa McCabe.

Belfast’s Window on Wildlife, known as WOW, is a reserve in the city’s harbour estate with views over Belfast Lough and the birds and wildlife there. The sixth offering is a painting session with Dermot Cavanagh, who has taught landscape-painting techniques through a television art programme.

Tourism Northern Ireland PR manager Fiona Cunningham said getting outdoors and trying something new could provide a reset as the evenings draw in. The organisation is also highlighting guided waterside walks with Sustainable Journeys Ireland and secluded accommodation offered by Irish Landmark Trust.

The campaign’s promotional material says UK adults spend an average of four-and-a-half hours a day looking at screens. It also cites Deloitte Ireland’s 2026 Digital Consumer Trends report, which it says found that 70% of adults feel they spend too much time on their phones. The material refers to rising Google searches for “digital detox” and “how to reduce screen time”, and says 62% of people are prioritising in-person activities this year.

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