Umrah from Dublin
What pilgrims leaving from Dublin need to know: the flight, the visa route for Irish, the season and a realistic budget.
Flying from Dublin
Ireland's Muslim community has grown substantially in recent decades, with diverse roots across South Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, and Dublin Airport offers workable one-stop connections to Jeddah and Madinah through Istanbul or a Gulf hub, since there is no scheduled nonstop flight from Ireland. Dublin's Umrah travel trade is smaller than in larger European cities, so many pilgrims compare options with agencies in London given the short flight between the two cities, or book directly through a UK-based operator with Irish clients. Euros are used locally. Ireland's mild, wet, changeable climate makes packing straightforward, though the contrast with Saudi Arabia's heat remains significant regardless of travel season. Local mosques in Dublin, including the Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland, are a reasonable starting point for operator referrals. Book several months ahead of Ramadan, since the smaller local market means good connections can sell out quickly relative to demand.
Umrah visa for Irish
Irish passport holders are on Saudi Arabia's eVisa list, so most Irish can apply directly through Nusuk or Visit Saudi rather than use an agent. The eVisa is multiple-entry, valid a year, covers Umrah as well as tourism, and allows up to 90 days per entry. It must still be used to enter within 30 days of issue, and hotel and transport now have to be booked inside Nusuk before it is issued. For the 1448 AH Umrah season (31 May 2026 to 7 Apr 2027), book early, since rooms and Rawdah or Mataf permit slots fill fast around Ramadan. Irish who prefer a fully organised trip can still book the same journey through a licensed Umrah company instead.
When to go
Ramadan carries the greatest reward and the greatest crowds and prices; the weeks after Hajj (late Dhul Hijjah into Muharram) and the winter months (November to February) are cooler and quieter. The 1448 AH season runs from 31 May 2026 to 7 April 2027 for arrivals and departures. See the best time to perform Umrah.
What it costs from Dublin
Your biggest variables are the flight from DUB, the hotel's distance from the Haram, and the season. Use the cost calculator for a range in EUR, then compare operator quotes line by line: visa, flights, hotel nights and category, transfers, and Makkah, Madinah transport.
Before you book
- Check that the operator is contracted through Nusuk Masar (ask for their Saudi partner's name).
- Confirm the hotel name and distance, not just "near Haram".
- Read how to avoid Umrah scams and how to choose an operator.
- Install the offline companion before you fly.