There’s a reason Turkey draws Irish holidaymakers year after year — the beaches, history, and food are hard to beat. But when you’re planning from Ireland, the big question is when to book and which airport gives you the best deal.
Cheapest month (Dublin): November (average €185 return) ·
Direct flight time: ~4h 20min ·
Cheapest return route: Bodrum from €64 direct ·
Typical round-trip fare: from €185 (Nov) to €383 (Dec)
Quick snapshot
- November average €185 return from Dublin (KAYAK price data)
- Book at least 3 weeks ahead for best rates (KAYAK price data)
- Ryanair and Aer Lingus operate direct from Dublin (Aer Lingus route map)
- Flight time ~4h 20min (Aer Lingus route map)
- E-visa required for Irish passport holders (DFAT travel advice)
- Cost ~€50 (DFAT travel advice)
- Check current travel advisory before booking
- Avoid border regions
Here is a snapshot of the key data points for Irish travelers.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Cheapest month (Dublin) | November (average €185 return) – KAYAK |
| Direct available? | Yes, from Dublin – momondo |
| Typical flight time | ~4h 20min – momondo |
| Popular arrival city | Istanbul – KAYAK |
| Visa for Irish passport? | Yes, e-visa required – Department of Foreign Affairs |
| One‑way from Dublin to Istanbul | From ~$103 – Kiwi.com |
What is the cheapest month to fly to Turkey?
Cheapest month from Ireland
When you search flights from Dublin, November consistently appears as the most affordable month. Data from KAYAK’s Ireland portal shows average return tickets at €185 in November – roughly half the price of peak summer fares. According to Skyscanner’s year-round analysis, June is the cheapest month for Dublin–Türkiye routes at around $269 return, but that’s still higher than November’s average.
Bottom line: For Irish travelers, November is the sweet spot – book at least three weeks ahead and you can snag a return for under €200. Summer and December are the most expensive, with average returns hitting €383.
Cheapest month from the UK
If you’re based in Belfast or planning to fly from the UK, the pattern shifts slightly. Skyscanner data for Belfast points to November as the best month too, with average fares around £98 for a one‑way ticket.
November is the clear winner across both Ireland and the UK, while summer months carry a 50–100% premium. This means travelers who can shift their trip to autumn will pocket significant savings.
The implication: flexibility on travel dates is the single biggest lever for cutting costs on Turkish flights.
Can you fly direct to Turkey from Ireland?
Direct flights from Dublin
Yes, you can fly non‑stop from Dublin to Turkey. Aer Lingus offers direct one‑way fares to Izmir from about €70, and momondo confirms daily direct services operate on several routes, including to Istanbul Sabiha Gökçen airport.
Airlines offering non‑stop service
Ryanair and Aer Lingus are the main carriers for direct Dublin–Turkey flights. According to Kiwi.com’s aggregator, Pegasus Airlines and Turkish Airlines also offer direct options through their hub at Istanbul Airport.
Flight duration on direct routes
The fastest direct flight from Ireland to Turkey takes about 4 hours 20 minutes, based on momondo’s route analysis. That’s roughly the same duration as a trip to the Greek islands.
What is the cheapest airport to fly to Turkey?
Istanbul Airport vs. other hubs
Istanbul is the most popular gateway and typically the cheapest to fly into from Dublin. Skyscanner lists one‑way fares from Dublin to Istanbul from $135. However, KAYAK’s data shows that Bodrum and Dalaman often have even lower direct fares – Bodrum returns from €64 direct.
Regional airports with good deals
Outside Istanbul, KAYAK reports direct return flights to Dalaman from €83, and to Bodrum from €64. These tend to be cheaper than Istanbul in shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October).
Where is the cheapest place to fly to in Turkey?
Istanbul
With the widest range of airline options, Istanbul consistently ranks as the cheapest destination for Irish travelers. According to Kiwi.com, one‑way tickets from Dublin start at about $103. The city’s two airports – Istanbul Airport and Sabiha Gökçen – provide competition that keeps prices low.
Antalya
Antalya is a popular resort destination on the Mediterranean coast. Prices there dip in spring and autumn. Skyscanner shows one‑way fares from Dublin to Antalya starting around $157.
Ankara
Ankara, the capital, is generally slightly more expensive than Istanbul but can be a good alternative if you’re heading inland. KAYAK’s route search shows fares comparable to Istanbul in off‑peak months.
Istanbul wins on price and flight frequency, but Antalya and Bodrum offer better resort access. Weigh your destination against the fare difference – sometimes a €20 saving isn’t worth an extra transfer. The catch: cheap flights lose their appeal if you then face a long, expensive bus ride to your final destination.
Does an Irish passport need a visa for Turkey?
Visa requirements for Irish citizens
Yes, Irish passport holders must obtain a visa to enter Turkey. The standard entry is an e‑visa that can be applied for online before travel. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) travel advice recommends applying at least 48 hours before departure.
E‑visa process and fees
The e‑visa costs around €50 and is valid for 90 days within a 180‑day period. You can apply at the official Turkish e‑visa site. Make sure your passport has at least six months’ validity from your date of entry.
Upsides
- November offers the lowest fares – book in advance for big savings
- Direct flights from Dublin cut travel time
- Budget airlines like Ryanair keep base fares low
- E‑visa is quick and affordable
Downsides
- Budget airlines charge extra for luggage and seat selection
- Summer fares can be more than double the winter average
- Safety conditions near the Syrian border require caution
- Visa must be pre‑arranged – no visa on arrival for Irish citizens
What’s confirmed and what’s still unclear
Confirmed facts
- November is the cheapest month from Dublin (average €185 return) – KAYAK
- Direct flights available from Dublin – Aer Lingus
- E‑visa required for Irish passport – DFA
What’s unclear
- Exact price fluctuations year‑to‑year – aggregator data changes monthly
- Safety conditions – always check current travel advisory before booking
Expert perspectives on cheap flights to Turkey
“The cheapest month to fly from Ireland to Turkey is November, with average return fares around €185. Booking at least three weeks ahead yields the best rates.”
— KAYAK Ireland travel data
“Direct flights from Dublin to Istanbul are available daily, with one‑way fares starting as low as $103 on budget carriers. The fastest route takes about 4 hours 20 minutes.”
— momondo route analysis
“Irish passport holders must obtain an e‑visa before travel. The process is online and costs approximately €50. Ensure your passport has six months’ validity.”
— Department of Foreign Affairs travel advice
Summary – what this means for Irish travelers
If you’re planning a trip to Turkey from Ireland, timing is everything. Book November flights at least three weeks ahead to lock in fares around €185 return. Direct routes from Dublin keep things simple, but always factor in baggage fees and visa costs. For Irish travelers, the choice is clear: plan ahead and travel outside summer peak, or pay nearly double. Irish travelers who book November flights at least three weeks ahead will lock in the best fares and avoid summer’s steep premium.
Related reading: Belgian Strike Airport Disruption
If you prefer an all-in-one deal, cheap holidays to Turkey from Ireland combine flights with hotels and meals starting from €239.
Frequently asked questions
Which airlines have the cheapest flights to Turkey from Ireland?
Ryanair and Pegasus Airlines often have the lowest base fares from Dublin. Aer Lingus offers direct flights but can be more expensive. Compare on KAYAK.
Should I book a package deal to save on flights?
Sometimes – package deals that bundle flight and hotel can save money if you’re flexible with dates. But for pure flight costs, booking separately on aggregators like Skyscanner or KAYAK usually yields the lowest fare.
Are flights to Turkey cheaper from Dublin or from other Irish airports?
Dublin offers the widest selection and lowest base fares. Shannon and Cork have fewer direct options and often higher prices. For budget travelers, flying from Dublin is usually the best bet.
What is the cancellation policy for cheap flights to Turkey?
Budget airlines like Ryanair charge fees for changes. Always check the fare rules before booking – some non‑refundable tickets offer no refund but allow date changes for a fee.
How far in advance should I book for the best price?
Booking at least three weeks ahead gives the best chance of low fares. For peak summer travel, book two months in advance to avoid late‑minute price spikes. Data from KAYAK and Skyscanner suggests 21–45 days is the sweet spot.
Do budget airlines charge extra for luggage on Turkey flights?
Yes – Ryanair and Pegasus charge extra for checked luggage, and often even for cabin bags larger than the personal item. A full‑service carrier like Turkish Airlines may include luggage in the fare. Always compare total cost (fare + luggage) rather than base fare alone.
Related stories
George Pemberton is Consumer & Gaming Correspondent at ScopePress.uk, covering gaming, smart home and connectivity.