Best way to send money abroad

This may not be the correct forum for this particular query. Even though money is mentioned, the main query is about the best and best value method of transferring money.
If this is the wrong place, perhaps a moderator can move it to the forum they think most appropriate.

I'm in Ireland and I need to get USD1000 to someone I know (and trust) in the USA. It's an individual, not a company.
What is the best value, safest and most efficient way to do this?

Safest and most efficient is probably via an electronic transfer from your bank to a nominated bank in the US. Probably not the cheapest, though I would have thought that security would be paramount.

western union?

Yes, Western Union is your best best as long as you have a credit card. My brother ran out of money abroad and I was able to send him money through Western Union

www.xe.com
www.currency.ie

these sites offer the best rates and EFT transfers

Paypal might also be an option but do check the charges that apply and compare them to other options.