Why in 2011: Ireland's banks are struggling—the country recently accepted a $112 billion bailout from the European Union—but the economic turmoil has an upshot for tourists: kind prices. Exchange rates have improved by 7 percent over last year and lodging prices are the lowest of any major city in Western Europe. In fact, scoring a bed in Dublin costs 7 percent less than it did in 2009. Restaurants are similarly well-priced; even the Michelin-starred Chapter One is offering a four-course, pre-theatre menu for $65—a bargain when you consider that a full meal is $105. And transportation is equally cheap: Dublinbikes, the city's cycle-share program, rents out bikes for $2.50 for three days, and rides clocking in at 30 minutes or less are free. Even the $13 tax levied on Dublin International Airport travelers will soon be slashed to $4 in an effort to boost tourism.
Best time to visit Dublin: Travelers swarm the capital during July and August, but a June trip offers nearly the same weather without peak-season prices (temperatures average 64 degrees). Plus, the month is packed with events like Bloom in the Park, a massive garden show; Taste of Dublin, and Bloomsday; a celebration of Ireland's literary patron saint—James Joyce.
Price check: If you're set on a warm weather trip, a recent search for June found round-trip, nonstop tickets for $746 from New York (Aer Lingus); one-stops from $727 from Chicago (Scandinavian Airlines) and $1,163 from San Francisco (Continental).
Where to stay: The three-star Harcourt Hotel, located in the former Georgian home of George Bernard Shaw, is centrally located and has 104 rooms. Harcourthotel.com, doubles from $91
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