Looks like the air option is possible, either for £30 ish by easyJet from Liverpool to Belfast Int or for £65 by FlyBe from Birmingham Int (which is nearer for me) to Belfast Harbour (which I think is closer to Portaferry, isn't it?) - not counting the car mileage and parking cost!

But then what? For flexibility, I could hire a car (would need to share as it will cost some £25 per day minimum, ie £75 or £100 for the 3 or 3.5 days) or I could go by bus/coach. Is there an easy website I can search for bus times/cost, prior to finally booking the flights?

Also, given I don't have to worry about getting back to work, the obvious option would be to travel out on Friday 28 Feb and back on Monday 3 March. But is there any reason to stay longer, eg a great music or song session in Belfast or Newtownards on a Thursday or Monday evening, which shouldn't be missed?

"For I am free to go abroard or take again my homeward road ...!"
Alan