If you’re dreaming of faraway adventures, Qatar Airways offers one of the best gateways from Dublin to the world. With a quick and seamless stop in Doha, you can connect to some truly incredible destinations across the Middle East, Asia, Africa, and Australia. Whether you're planning a beach escape, a cultural deep dive, or a wildlife adventure, here are some of the top spots to add to your travel list, all easily reachable with Qatar Airways.
1. Doha, Qatar – A perfect stopover spot
Doha isn’t just a layover, it’s a destination in its own right. Many travellers spend a night or two here, and it’s totally worth it. Stroll along the Corniche at sunset, haggle for spices and souvenirs at Souq Waqif, or explore the stunning Museum of Islamic Art. For something more adventurous, head out on a desert safari and experience dune bashing under the stars. With ultra-modern hotels and traditional charm, Doha offers a fun mix of old and new.
2. Dubai, UAE – Glamour meets desert
Just a short hop from Doha, Dubai dazzles with its skyscrapers, luxury shopping, and endless activities. From the iconic Burj Khalifa to indoor ski slopes and golden desert safaris, it’s a city where you’ll never run out of things to do.
3. Bangkok & Phuket, Thailand – Temples and tropics
Fly from Dublin to Bangkok to explore Thailand’s buzzing capital. Visit iconic temples like Wat Arun and Wat Pho, wander the bustling floating markets, and dive into the vibrant nightlife on Khaosan Road. Don’t miss Chinatown for some of the best street food in Southeast Asia. Or fly straight to Phuket if you're after sun and sea. Spend your days relaxing on the island’s famous beaches, take a boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands, or enjoy the nightlife in Patong. Thailand is one of the top destinations for Irish travellers, and it's easy to see why.
4. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Skyscrapers & street eats
Kuala Lumpur is a city full of contrasts - towering skyscrapers, colourful temples, lush parks, and some of the best street food in Southeast Asia. Don’t miss the iconic Petronas Towers or a food tour through Jalan Alor. It’s a great base for exploring more of Malaysia too, from tea plantations to tropical islands.
5. Manila, Philippines – Your gateway to paradise
Manila is chaotic and energetic, but it’s also your jumping-off point to explore the Philippines’ 7,000+ islands. Spend a day soaking in the city's colonial history, then catch a flight to Palawan, Boracay, or Siargao for white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and some of the best diving in the world.
6. Singapore – Small but mighty
Clean, green, and packed with things to do, Singapore is one of Asia’s most impressive cities. Walk through Gardens by the Bay, take in the skyline from Marina Bay Sands, and eat your way through the famous hawker centres. It’s a city that’s easy to explore and impossible not to love.
7. Sydney & Melbourne, Australia – Big adventures Down Under
If you’re heading to Australia, Qatar Airways makes it surprisingly easy. Sydney delivers iconic sights like the Opera House and Bondi Beach, while Melbourne is all about culture, cafes, and cool neighbourhoods. Whichever city you choose, you’re in for warm weather, laid-back vibes, and unforgettable experiences.
8. Nairobi, Kenya – Wildlife & wilderness
Nairobi is your gateway to Africa’s wild side. From here, you can set off on a safari in the Maasai Mara or visit baby elephants at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. It’s where city life and nature collide, and it’s perfect for travellers looking for a real adventure.
9. Mauritius – Island luxury
If paradise had an address, it might be Mauritius. Think palm-lined beaches, turquoise lagoons, and lush green mountains. Whether you’re snorkelling coral reefs, hiking waterfalls, or just relaxing with a cocktail in hand, it’s the ultimate place to unwind.
10. Cape Town, South Africa – Mountains, coastlines & culture
Cape Town is simply breathtaking. You’ve got Table Mountain towering above the city, stunning beaches just a short drive away, and vineyards around every corner. Explore the colourful Bo-Kaap neighbourhood, visit Robben Island, or take a drive down the Cape Peninsula. It’s laid-back, scenic, and packed with history, ideal for travellers who love a bit of everything.
Why fly with Qatar?
Qatar Airways is consistently ranked among the world’s top airlines, and it shows. From Dublin, you’ll enjoy a smooth connection through Doha, often with the chance to add a free or low-cost stopover. Onboard, expect comfy seats, great service, and hundreds of entertainment options to pass the time. And if you’re flying business class, the famous Qsuite offers privacy, luxury, and lie-flat beds you won’t want to leave.
No matter where you’re headed, flying with Qatar Airways turns the journey into part of the adventure. So book your flight, pack your bags and let the world open up!
Bucket list cruises around the world: 7 once-in-a-lifetime voyages you’ll never forget
Has it ever crossed your mind doing a cruise around the world that goes beyond the usual Mediterranean routes? While sun-soaked stops in Italy, Greece, and Spain are always a favourite, there’s a whole ocean of bucket list cruises out there just waiting to take your travel game to the next level.
If you’ve ever dreamed of a once-in-a-lifetime voyage - think glaciers in Alaska, ancient wonders in Egypt, or rare wildlife in the Galápagos - these extraordinary voyages offer more than just pretty ports. They offer memories that last a lifetime.
Let’s explore 7 epic cruise destinations that deserve a spot on your travel bucket list.
1. Galápagos Islands: A wildlife lover’s dream
This is not your average tropical cruise. The Galápagos is one of the most pristine ecosystems on Earth, where animals rule the land and the sea. The islands are remote, wild, and incredibly well-preserved. Most Galápagos cruises use smaller expedition ships, which means a more intimate, eco-friendly experience. Daily excursions include snorkelling with sea turtles, kayaking near volcanic shores, and walking on lava trails that feel otherworldly. It’s educational, wild, and absolutely unforgettable.
Celebrity Cruises is one of the most popular choices, offering year-round Galápagos itineraries aboard purpose-built ships like the Celebrity Flora, designed specifically for this region.
2. Alaska: Glaciers, whales & northern wonders
There’s something magical about sipping coffee on your balcony while cruising past ice-blue glaciers. Alaska is one of the most awe-inspiring cruise destinations out there, offering a front-row seat to nature’s raw power. You can expect to see whales breaching, bald eagles soaring, and bears foraging along the shoreline. Add in charming ports like Ketchikan and Skagway, and excursions like dog sledding or glacier hiking, and it’s easy to see why Alaska is a top bucket list pick.
You’ll find fantastic Alaska itineraries from Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean, all offering different styles, from luxurious to family-friendly.
3. Panama Canal: One of the world’s greatest voyages
Watching your ship pass through the Panama Canal is one of those "wow" travel moments. You’ll see the inner workings of one of the greatest engineering feats in history, all while cruising between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Panama Canal cruises are often two to three weeks long and stop in amazing places like Colombia, Costa Rica, and Mexico. For this incredible journey, consider Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, or Princess Cruises, known for well-rounded itineraries and smooth canal transits.
4. Norwegian Fjords: Peaceful, powerful, and picture-perfect
Norway’s fjords offer scenery so dramatic and surreal, you’ll wonder if it’s even real. Waterfalls tumble down steep cliffs, tiny villages perch on lush hillsides, and the stillness of the fjords makes everything feel serene. Summer is the best time to go, with long daylight hours and the chance to experience the midnight sun.
Top cruise lines here include Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, NCL, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America Line, all offering stunning itineraries through this incredible part of Northern Europe.
5. Africa to Asia: An epic cross-continent adventure
If you’ve got a sense of adventure (and a bit more time), how about a cruise from Africa to Asia? These longer voyages take you to places like Cape Town, Mauritius, Singapore, and sometimes even the Maldives. While not as common as other routes, these cruises are often part of longer repositioning or world cruise segments.
Look to lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC for well-planned itineraries connecting these distant parts of the globe in style.
6. Egypt & Jordan: History, culture, and coastline
A cruise through Egypt and Jordan is perfect for history and culture lovers. This 29-day journey offered by lines like MSC Cruises includes unforgettable stops like Petra, Aqaba and Sharm El-Sheikh, plus stunning destinations across Mauritius, Madagascar, and the Seychelles. Walk through the rose-red ruins of Petra, dive into the Red Sea’s coral reefs, and soak in the blend of ancient history and island paradise. With diverse ports and relaxing sea days, it’s a one-of-a-kind adventure.
7. Mexico’s Pacific Coast: Relaxed, colourful, and full of flavour
Sometimes, your bucket list just needs a bit of sunshine. A cruise along Mexico’s Pacific coast is all about vibrant culture, amazing food, and golden beaches. Visit Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta, and Mazatlán, all with their own unique flair. It’s a perfect mix of laid-back luxury and rich cultural discovery.
Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line offer sailings to Mexico and they’re all incredible. The only thing you really need to worry about is which dates to book off from work!
So, which one’s calling you?
Bucket list cruises don’t have to be a dream. With the right planning and a little sense of adventure, these incredible voyages can become real memories you’ll treasure forever. From spotting whales in Alaska to wandering lost cities in Jordan, these cruises turn travel into something truly unforgettable.
Let us know your dream cruise in the comments - or better yet, start planning it. Our awesome cruise team is just one call away at 014081999, ready to help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!
Frequently Asked Questions about flights with Qatar from Dublin
1. Where can you fly with Qatar Airways from Dublin?
From Dublin, travellers can fly with Qatar Airways to its hub in Doha, and then connect to destinations across Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Australia. The airline’s global network makes it easy to reach cities such as Bangkok, Singapore, Sydney, and Cape Town.
2. Do you need to stop in Doha when flying with Qatar Airways from Dublin?
Yes. Most journeys from Dublin include a connection in Doha, which acts as the airline’s main hub. Many travellers also choose to spend a night or two there to explore attractions like the Corniche waterfront or the traditional markets at Souq Waqif.
3. What are some of the most popular Qatar Airways destinations from Dublin?
Popular destinations include Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Nairobi. Each destination offers a different travel experience - from luxury city breaks and cultural exploration to tropical beaches and wildlife safaris.
4. How long is the flight from Dublin to Doha?
The direct flight from Dublin Airport to Hamad International Airport in Doha typically takes around 7 hours. From there, travellers can easily connect to hundreds of other destinations across the airline’s network.
5. Why choose Qatar Airways for flights from Dublin?
Qatar Airways is known for its high-quality service, comfortable cabins, and wide range of in-flight entertainment. Travellers can enjoy smooth connections through Doha and access to more than 160 global destinations, making it a popular choice for long-haul travel from Ireland.
