The one thing about Flight Fest was that the more nimble aircraft (the Vans team, Strikemaster, Sabre and Hunter in particular) weren't allowed to demonstrate their aerobatic capability. Salthill was great as the flight line was over the sea, so that wasn't an issue, and led to top class acts like the Red Arrows and Thunderbirds appearing to strut their stuff. I also remember Tomcats, Hornets and Vikings showing up the year the JFK docked in Dublin...
Bray is a poor substitute as fast jets can't show off because Bray Head is in the way...