GAZING ACROSS THE sun-spangled waters of Galway Bay, it’s easy to imagine why America’s long-distant shores seemed to offer an attractive escape for the starving Irish during the mid-19th century potato famine. As a result, vast numbers set sail across the Atlantic and many made their way to a new life Stateside. Others died or were shipwrecked on the way, and there’s a poignant seafront memorial on the atmospheric promenade at Salthill, west of Galway City, to those who lost their lives.

But on a heart-stoppingly hot day in July, when temperatures reached 33 degrees celsius, it seemed impossible that anyone would choose to leave such an idyllic location overlooking the impressive limestone landscapes of County Clare and the wild ocean beyond.

We were staying right on the edge of the bay, at Salthill Caravan Park. It’s next to Salthill Golf Club & Restaurant at the start of the flat and accessible two-kilometre promenade – popular with walkers, joggers, cyclists and dog owners – which leads into Salthill and the city beyond. Local tradition has it that you must ‘kick the wall’ at Blackrock, or your efforts don’t count!

Temperatures more typical of the Mediterranean meant that Salthill’s wide, sandy beaches and popular saltwater swimming pool were a magnet for fair-skinned sunbathers and swimmers, while we strolled along the seafront with our dog.

Music and much more The campsite is a scenic and well-equipped location from which to explore vibrant Galway, where music and entertainment are an integral part of everyday life; something that’s especially true when the International Arts Festival is in town. Organisers describe it as a ‘creative collision of artists, musicians, actors, writers, performers, friends and fans’, and there’s an irresistible buzz to the city streets, venues, restaurants and pubs when it’s on.