I don't know how Austin (Texas I presume) would compare to Seattle or Portland, but we were able to get Aug 5-20 2009 tickets for right at $800.  We could have saved about $100 if we would have bought earlier.  We booked in early June. It seems for that time frame, 3 months out was about the bottom.   For summer 2010, I did see for a 2 or 3 day period where they were in the $800-900 range...often times with more than 1 stop, or not so good conections, like a short layover (I require at least 2 hour, and prefer 3 hours) or on the other extreme, a 7 plus hour layover. We had one of those on last year's trip, primarily due to Shannon as our airport of choice....just not as many flights into Shannon. It looks like most of the flights are in the $1000 to $1100 range for early  this summer, but have not checked for July or August 2010. Also was checking March 27-April 5 and that spring break time segment has been real pricy. I think the days of $5-600 airfare are over, unless you are in Chicago or on the East Coast, and except maybe Jan or Feb. It is a matter of supply and demand, and the airlines have cut back the number of routes they run, according to everything I have been reading lately. If I were serious about going from the West Coast, and could get a flight for $800, I would grab it. If you could get to a major hub (larger than SEA or PDX), you might be able to find a slightly better price. Good luck! Dan

Yes, I have.  I'm also looking at different connections which might save some dollars (while being a pain in the ass). 

Sadly, the US Air sale ended (my $856 pp fare from Houston to Dublin evaporated- sob) and Air Canada has a decent sale though 3/24 (not good for me but might be for others).  My price from Austin is now just under $1200 pp, best from Houston is $1000+.  I've found connections through Newark which total about $980 but with changing airlines, its not a good enough incentive.

I'll keep a lookout and report if I see any good sales.

-- Edited by Zstep on Monday 15th of March 2010 05:02:42 PM

I agree with the casino aspect of buying a ticket. I actually sent Aerlingus an email with "Gambler" in the subject line and told them it's like going to the casino. I've been checking their site daily and even noticed a price change from morning to afternoon!!! I feel like I'm gambling because I'm waiting for a better price. Fortunately I fly out of Boston...

There was a day when Aer Lingus was the way to go, but now there are often better rates with American Airlines, Continental, and other US carriers.  Also if you want to go into Shannon, Aer Lingus now makes you not only go to Dublin first, but also have a four hour layover!!!! It used to be 45 minutes or so.

They are not making it easy to see this wonderful country.

I agree -- their prices right now are incredibly high.