Dates are fine, you miss the overhype of race week and Oyster festival(just), if you had more time I would suggest Clifden Arts week.

There is a range of accommodation close to town, Prauge House just the Salthill side gets regular praise http://www.praguehousegalway.com/ Forge House in the city http://www.theforgehouse.com/ Lynfield out on College Rd about 5 mins from Eyre Sq. http://www.lynfieldguesthouse.com/

If you love history and walking, then I can highly recommend the Historical Walking Tour of Dublin. The walks are all led by history grads from one of the Dublin colleges and they know their stuff. Our guide was not only knowledgeable, but quite entertaining as well.

http://www.historicalinsights.ie/

Tony, thank you so much for the recommendations - they all look great!
Longhorn, thanks for the link - this is exactly what we are looking for.
Thanks to all for the great information!!