Clare McKenna on the benefits of trying new experiences and destinations.
One of Ireland’s most popular health and wellness broadcasters is encouraging people to embrace change this autumn and squeeze every last ounce of joy from discovering exciting new places and experiences.
Newstalk radio presenter and wellness advocator, Clare McKenna has teamed up with Tourism Northern Ireland to explain why visiting somewhere new can make it seem like time is slowing down as you harness the power to boost your mood.
Clare said: “Have you ever noticed how time seems longer when you travel to somewhere new? It’s a phenomenon known as the ‘oddball effect’ and it’s created as your brain devotes more resources to taking in the different sights, smells and sounds.
“While there is nothing wrong with returning to places we love, trying something new this autumn might just help us feel more relaxed and invigorated.
“We may think that time flies when we’re having fun, but scientists have found that in our perception it actually lengthens; and experiences, especially those connected to physical locations, are linked to enhanced happiness.
“Likewise, ‘hedonic adaption’, the process by which the positive response we get from an experience diminishes with every repetition, suggests we should vary our choices when it comes to travel.
“It might best be explained by asking you to think of how you felt when you first visited your favourite holiday destination. It’s unlikely that after numerous further visits you still feel the same levels of happiness or recount the same level of detail as the first trip.
Clare, who loves visiting Northern Ireland, believes it is the perfect place for visitors from the Republic of Ireland to test this science as it has a wealth of new and exciting experiences and places to visit.
She said: “Northern Ireland has always been a favourite of mine as my mother’s family are from Armagh. With my husband and kids over the years, we’ve enjoyed amazing meals in Belfast, experienced Europe’s largest Halloween festival in Derry and visited the Game of Thrones Studio Tour in Banbridge – an absolute must-see for any fan of the TV juggernaut.
“I would encourage anyone planning a short break or booking an experience to embrace change this autumn and try somewhere new in Northern Ireland – it doesn’t have to break the bank with attractions, experiences and places to stay suitable for a wide range of budgets, with many less than two hours from Dublin.
“If you’re a history buff or a lover of art, Belfast’s Ulster Museum is sure to spark your curiosity. The iconic blackboard from the Derry Girls series is an exhibit. I love the ‘Anything Goes! Fashion in the 1920s’ exhibition which includes designs from Sara O’Neill, the Northern Ireland designer who has been in global headlines recently for her hand-painted designs on the leather jackets worn by U2 guitarist The Edge at the band’s Las Vegas concerts.
“There’s always something happening in the city and it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas as Belfast Christmas Market returns to the grounds of the City Hall from November 18 until December 23.
“In Armagh, the fabulous Georgian Festival runs from November 23-26 which celebrates the city’s Georgian heritage and provides some excellent festive fun for the whole family.
“For me, the Causeway Coastal Route is one of the world’s most beautiful drives. It’s 33 miles of dramatic sea cliffs, rolling hills and unparalleled views with stop-offs at the world-famous Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and the spectacular ruins of Dunluce Castle.
The Atlantic Sessions (16-19 November) is well worth a visit with over 40 musicians performing in Portrush and Portstewart. If you want to make a weekend of it, the Bushmills Inn and Salthouse Hotel are the perfect locations to take in all the splendour of the Antrim coast before retiring for great food and comfort.
“There are some amazing places to stay right across Northern Ireland and I find half of the fun can be in researching them. There is the opulence of luxury hotels such as the revamped Slieve Donard in Newcastle or the Fitzwilliam in Belfast right through to a rural retreat in Further.Space glamping pods in locations like the shores of Lough Erne and the Mourne Mountains .”
To embrace change in Northern Ireland this autumn visit, www.discovernorthernireland.com to plan your perfect itinerary. For a great range of short break value offers visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/special-offers.
Press release by Tourism NI
