Reality is that CX face huge competition ex DUB. The ME3 all offer flights to their hubs. Emirates is twice daily. If you want a backpacker route to Oz/NZ you have the choice of one stop services via the ME3, CX or flying West to LAX and SFO availing of US preclearance in Dublin meaning you arrive as a domestic passenger and the layovers are generally only 3-4 hours before your flight to AKL/SYD/MEL/BNE etc. Finnair is also aggressively pushing its Hub as is Turkish, KLM, Lufty and LHR would still be a "traditional" stop for many Irish heading to Asia and further afield for those that don't mind an additional stop to save some coin.