With direct flights to Marrakech from Dublin commencing in April 2014, this magical Moroccan city is now more accessible than ever. Nicknamed the Red City for its rust-coloured walls, Marrakech is steeped in history and culture and offers Irish visitors a unique holiday experience.

When to go to Marrakech

Marrakech Holidays with flights from DublinWith its light rainfall and warm climate, Marrakech is a wonderful city to visit no matter what time of year. Spring and autumn offers plentiful sunshine, with temperatures reaching 25°C. From November to February, nights are chillier but the days remain clear and bright, with the snow-capped Atlas Mountains visible in the distance and quieter streets.  During summer months temperatures can soar, making it the perfect time to head to the cooler coast for a day-trip. For culture lovers, a great time to visit is during the Popular Arts Festival in July or the Marrakech International Film Festival in late November/early December.  For monthly temperatures see www.holiday-weather.com

How to get there

From April 2014 there are direct flights to Marrakech from Dublin each Sunday and Wednesday with the flight taking about 3 and a half hours.

The airport is located 5km from the city, which can be reached by an airport bus that runs every 30 minutes.  A return journey costs 50 Dh. If you’re taking a taxi, agree on a price before you leave the airport. You shouldn’t pay more than Dh60 to the city centre.

Things to do in Marrakech

Shop ’til you drop in the souks or markets that are dotted around the Medina – the historic part of the city. Here you can haggle for a dizzying array of wares, from shoes and leather goods to carpets, lanterns, pottery and spices.

Marrakech Holidays - Moroccan SoukFoodies can whet their appetite at the Djemaa el-Fna square, where delicious street food is served fresh off the grill, surrounded by the bustle and noise of henna tattoo artists, snake charmers, street performers and musicians. Local delicacies include harira soup made with beef, lentils and vegetables, lamb and apricot tagine, fried aubergines and ginseng tea.

Marrakech Holidays - traditional hammamExplore the ruins of the 16th Century El Badi Palace, which once displayed decadent walls of white marble, onyx and gold. Admire the Jardin Majorelle, a botanic garden lovingly restored by Yves Saint Laurent in the 80s or indulge in some pampering with a traditional black soap massage at a local hammam (spa).

Where to stay

There’s a fantastic range of hotels and accommodation in Marrakech, including 5-star luxurious hotels, traditional Riads with enclosed courtyards, opulent villas with luscious indoor gardens and affordable hostels. Most Riads offer a limited meal service, small pools and roof terraces where you can relax and unwind after a busy day haggling in the nearby souks.

Good to know

  • As Morocco is an Islamic country, it is advisable to dress modestly in keeping with the country’s cultural norms. While most types of clothing are tolerated, it is better to cover arms, legs and shoulders.
  • The currency used in Morocco is called the Dirham. As it’s a closed currency it can only be traded within the country. Euros can be exchanged at the Bureau de Change in the airport upon arrival, at a bank or most big hotels, with 1 Euro giving you around 11 Dm. ATMs can be found throughout the city and most credit cards are accepted, but be aware of additional charges. For current exchange rates see www.xe.com.
  • The majority of bars in tourist areas sell alcohol and there is a relaxed attitude to drinking.  However, in the Medina, only a small number of restaurants serve alcohol, as the law states that it should not be consumed within view of a mosque.  In this area, drinking indoors is advised. Alcohol can be purchased in shops and most Riads will allow you to drink in the courtyard or on the terrace.
  • While the official language is Arabic, French is also widely spoken due to its rich colonial past.

For more information on this magical city visit the official Moroccan National Tourist Office website or check out the great choice of Marrakech holiday packages from Click&Go, all including accommodation and direct flights from Dublin.