Manxpolly, I would try to stay away from the end of town that the point is at for accomodation as it tends towards being a more dodgy spot. It is a fair stretch down to the point from town (o connell bridge for example) and I dont think you can get a bus so if you dont have a lift I would nearly get a taxi from town.
I have never stayed in any of the hotels in town so I cant recommend on the quality etc but I think somewhere like the Arlington is fine as it is near to both sides of town( grafton st/temple bar areas on south or o connell st/ henry st on north)
Hope that helps a bit. If you see any hotels that takes your fancy will try to help you out as to location.
Joolz,
if youre interested in the museum type trip, some of the things I enjoyed were guinness trip which I def think is a good one, also jameson distillary which make the infamous Jameson whiskey is also interesting. Trinity college and book of kells is worth a look too. Christchurch is also nice for a wander and near enough to main centre of town
if you were to get yourself a day ticket for bus and train( i think you can still get family ones which used to work out good value for two even as was unlimited travel)- a trip on the DART train out to the fishing village of Howth is quite a nice few hours for a walk on pier, nice place about 20 or so mins in train. Also in other direction on the train there are some pretty towns/seasides such as Dalkey /Killiney where celebs such as Bono and Enya have set up home. Could be a fun day out esp is weather is good.
And for the lady - shopping trips out to the new Dundrum Town Centre, ( can be reached by Luas from st stephens green ) or Blanchardstown (number 39 bus I think)
The website for Dublin Bus is helpful too
Hope this helps and you have a great time