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Dalaman and Marmaris: where to stay and flights from Ireland

Marmaris, Fethiye, Ölüdeniz and Dalyan for Irish families and couples: direct flights to Dalaman, the best months and where to base yourself.

Updated Saturday 17 October 2026

Why go

Dalaman Airport is the gateway to Turkey’s southwest coast. This is a coast of pine covered hills, sheltered bays and boat trips, rather than one long strip of beach.

Marmaris is the biggest resort, set on a large bay with a marina. To the east are Dalyan, Fethiye and Ölüdeniz, which are smaller and greener. Families and couples can both find a good fit here, depending on how lively they want it.

Getting there from Ireland

Ryanair flies direct from Dublin to Dalaman, and schedules list it as running all year, but winter flights can be thin, so check dates before you plan an off-season trip. Jet2.com, TUI Airways and easyJet fly from Belfast International in summer. Cork, Shannon, Knock and Kerry have no direct flights.

The flight from Dublin takes about 4 hours 35 minutes. Belfast takes about 4 hours 40 minutes.

Marmaris is about an hour’s drive west of the airport. Fethiye, Ölüdeniz and Dalyan are also served from Dalaman. Most visitors arriving on international flights use a pre-booked transfer or a taxi.

Before you go

Irish citizens need a passport with at least 150 days’ validity to enter Türkiye. No visa is needed for tourist stays of up to 90 days in any 180 days. Passport cards are not accepted. Check the Department of Foreign Affairs travel advice before you travel.

When to go

Average daily highs at Marmaris:

  • April and May: 22°C to 26°C. The sea is still cool at 17°C to 19°C.
  • June to August: 32°C to 35°C. Very hot, with the sea at 22°C to 27°C.
  • September and October: 31°C falling to 27°C. The sea stays warm at 24°C to 26°C.
  • November to March: 15°C to 21°C. Mild, but too cool for most beach plans.

July and August can be hard going with small children. Late May, June and September are easier, and October still gives warm sea and highs near 27°C.

Air temperatures come from the Marmaris climate table on Wikipedia, which uses NOAA data. Sea temperatures come from Weather2Travel.

Where to stay

  • Marmaris: the busiest resort, with a long seafront, a marina, nightlife and plenty of hotels.
  • İçmeler: next to Marmaris and calmer, a good family choice with easy access to town.
  • Fethiye and Ölüdeniz: a harbour town plus, 14 km south, the Blue Lagoon and paragliding from Babadağ.
  • Dalyan: a quiet river town with boat trips to Lycian rock tombs and İztuzu turtle beach.

Good for

  • Families who want sheltered bays and calm water for swimming.
  • Couples who want boat trips, quiet coves and good seafood.
  • Day trips by ferry from Marmaris to Rhodes and Symi in Greece.
  • Outdoor days, from paragliding at Ölüdeniz to river trips at Dalyan.

Late deal tip

Decide on your resort before you search. Marmaris and Fethiye are in opposite directions from Dalaman. A cheap hotel far from the airport can add a long transfer and extra cost. Check the transfer price before you book the room.

Sources

More guides nearby